VIRTUAL DESTINATION MEKONG SUMMIT TO OFFER RECOMMENDATIONS AND INSIGHTS FOR TRAVEL BUSINESSES DURING COVID-19 TO PREPARE FOR A BALANCED TOURISM RECOVERY

In the afternoon of Tuesday, August 25th , the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office is hosting a half-day Virtual Destination Mekong Summit, organized by public-private partnership Destination Mekong, with sponsorship of UNWTO Affiliate Member Chameleon Strategies, under the theme of “Balanced Tourism Recovery for a Better Future”. In order to assist businesses during these challenging times, the registration fee has been waived as a gesture of goodwill.

The complete program, and free registration is available at: https://www.destinationmekong.com/dms2020/

With feedback and significant contributions by members of the Mekong Tourism Advisory Group (MeTAG), and a focus on resilience and tourism recovery in the Greater Mekong Subregion, the 1st Destination Mekong Summit aims to give actionable insights and action steps to businesses, operating in the member countries of the Mekong Region. With 15 short sessions, from discussing changing sentiments from source markets China and Japan, recommendations for the meetings sector, latest data and insights for travel businesses, how to communicate to stakeholders in these times, the ever increasing importance of sustainability including climate change, plastic pollution, child protection, and wildlife conservation, as well as a scenario analysis to prepare for the future today.

The Destination Mekong Summit will also be the launchpad of the new #Mekong Memories campaign to create a content cloud of past experiences to inspire people to #TravelTomorrow, and the new Mekong Deals platform to feature non-refundable vouchers sold by travel operators to help survive the crisis, both powered by innovative engagement technology Enwoke. The campaign has been developed together with launch partners Yaana Ventures, Accor Hotels, Minor Hotels, Green Discovery Laos, Memories Group Myanmar, and Hanuman Travel Cambodia – before inviting all travel and tourism businesses regardless of size and type to join.

The format of the Virtual Destination Mekong Summit deploys a ‘condensed content concept’ by not having a series of presentations but engaging in pointed and focused discussions. The objective is to answer burning questions, offer actionable suggestions on how to survive these challenging times, and how to best prepare for an accelerated recovery. The Destination Mekong Summit is emceed by Dr. Jutamas Wisangsing of Perfect Link Consulting, and Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office Executive Director, Mr. Jens Thraenhart.

We designed the Virtual Destination Mekong Summit around a “condensed content concept”, to really address the issues by giving succinct and focused recommendations and action steps. 40 speakers will turn their insights into suggestions for industry stakeholders to act upon.”

The summit will have two short take-away sessions, led by Horwath HTL Global Tourism Practice Leader Mr Siniša Topalović, calling in from Croatia. These two sessions are designed to give delegates a quick view on key ‘dos and don’ts’, drawing on global research of many destinations and travel businesses.

Organized in various chapters of a book, the opening keynote is given by the author of the upcoming book “Travel & Covid-19”, Professor Dr. Simon Hudson of South Carolina University in the USA, looking at case studies and best practices from all over the world.

Reflections from past crisis’ and ideas will be discussed by HE Mr Weearasak Kowsurat, Senator and former Minister of Tourism and Sports of Thailand and HE Mr Htay Aung, former Minister of Hotels and Tourism, moderated by the former Director for Asia Pacific of the UNWTO, Mr. Xu Jing. Mr. Steven Schipani from the Southeast Asia Department of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) will lead the following session with the Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Administration of Tourism (VNAT), Dr. Ha Van Sieu, and the Director General of the Ministry of Tourism of Cambodia, Mr. Rathasak Thong, about economic development measures as well as tourism recovery in the region.

Communicating during these COVID-19 is a challenge for many businesses – from branding, marketing, and positioning, Publisher of eGlobal Travel Media, Ms Wimintra Raj will moderate a session with Deputy Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Mr Tanes Petsuwan and Mr. Michael Marshall, Chief Commerical Officer of Minor Hotels, operating hotel brands such as Anantara and Avani. When to sell, how to discount, what message to send are all questions that we look to get answered during this insightful session.

When international travel resumes in the Mekong Region, two source markets are said to have great potential: China and Japan. We will be hearing from the Co-Founder and CEO of leading china travel marketing firm Dragon Trail Interactive, Mr. George Cao, and the Chief Research Officer of JTB Consulting, the research division of leading Japanese tour operator JTB. The session will be moderated by Senor Editor of Travel Weekly Asia, Ms Xinyi Liang-Pholsena, to get questions answered how to market to Chinese and Japanese consumers post COVID-19, how to build relationships with the trade now, and changing consumer sentiments in both key source markets.

Senior Editor of TTG Asia, Ms Marissa Caruthers will interview Mr Kelvin Lee of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), and Mr Bernard Kee of leading hotel data firm STR about the latest trends and insights, and what businesses from hotels, tours, and restaurants should do to survive the crisis and how to best prepare for recovery.

Sustainability is something that needs to be part of the tourism recovery strategies, and it is an opportunity for many destinations to re-evaluate their strategies. With the sighting of animals and plants that seem to have gotten lost in the era of over-tourism, the environment seems to have recovered very quickly during these few weeks. While this is a big topic that warrants a deeper discussion, General Manager of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), Mr Roi Ariel, attempts to give some key action steps for businesses to focus on plastic pollution, climate change, child protection, and wildlife conservation, by drawing insights and recommendations from ECPAT International Program Head Ms Gabriella Kuehn, and the Ecotourism Advisor of the Wildlife Conservation Society, Ms Janina Bikova.

Responsible tourism, as well as stakeholder engagement and collaboration are and have been priority pillars of the work of the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office since its inception over two decades ago. Yaana and Khiri Travel Chairman Mr William Niemeijer discusses the importance of industry collaboration, especially in times like these, with Mr. Ianic Menard, Accor’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing of Upper Southeast Asia, and Mr. Jens Thraenhart, Executive Director of the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office. The award-winning Mekong Moments and Mekong Mini Movie campaigns, es well as the new Mekong Memories campaign and Mekong Deals platform are examples of innovative collaborative efforts, as is the Experience Mekong Collection. Operated by Destination Mekong, the Experience Mekong Collection has curated over 350 small responsible travel businesses and social enterprises in the six member countries. For the 3rd year, in collaboration with Thailand-based Mahidol University, the six Experience Mekong Showcases will be announced during the Destination Mekong Summit, as well as the 1st of three Mekong Heroes every year, recognizing individuals that have made a difference in promoting sustainable and responsible tourism development in the Greater Mekong Subregion.

Professor Dr Ian Yeoman of Victoria University, Wellington, New Zealand, will look at the Future by walking delegates through a scenario analysis. Lonely Planet author Mr Nick Ray, who has traveled all Mekong countries extensively will engage in a discussion with Professor Yeoman on how businesses can use the information to prepare for the future now.

Finally, in a very special session, Ms. Gloria Guevara, CEO of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), former UNWTO Secretary General, Dr. Taleb Rifai, and former Minister of Tourism and Sports of Thailand, Ms Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, and CEO of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Dr Mario Hardy engage in a reflective discussion, moderated by SunX Program founder Professor Geoffrey Lipman, by giving recommendations and opinions to stakeholders in the visitor economy.

The Virtual Destination Mekong Summit is not only for travel and tourism stakeholders in the Greater Mekong Subregion alone. The Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO) invites travel professionals from both public and private sectors from all over the world to join us on online on August 25th. The registration fee has been waived, so registration is free at https://www.destinationmekong.com/dms2020/ and questions to the individual sessions can be submitted beforehand at [email protected].

About the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office:
The Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO), located in Bangkok, was set up with funding from the governments of the six Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS) countries – Cambodia, the People’s Republic of China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Viet Nam. The MTCO, which operates on annual financial contributions from each GMS country, acts as the secretariat for the GMS Tourism Working Group, comprising of senior officials of the six GMS countries’ National Tourism Organizations, to coordinate and facilitate sustainable tourism development of the GMS, and promotion of the Mekong region as a single travel and tourism destination, in collaboration with the public and private sectors. The MTCO manages its award-winning MekongTourism.org digital platform as a one-stop platform to promote responsible and sustainable tourism in the region, as well as the annual Mekong Tourism Forum, whose hosting is rotated among GMS countries.

Please visit www.MekongTourism.org for more information.

About Destination Mekong:

Destination Mekong was created in 2017 to promote the Lancang-Mekong region, comprising of Cambodia, PR China (Provinces of Guangxi and Yunnan), Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand and Viet Nam as a single tourism destination to stimulate responsible and sustainable development and investment, and drive inclusive growth. 

Endorsed by the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office and aligned with the mandate of the regional collaborative tourism framework of the six-member governments of the Greater Mekong Sub-region, Destination Mekong executes targeted projects and initiatives, including Mekong Moments, Mekong Mini Movie Festival, Mekong Innovative Startups in Tourism (MIST), Experience Mekong Collection, Mekong Heroes, and Mekong Trends, with feedback from the Mekong Tourism Advisory Group (MeTAG) and via public-private partnership investment structure, led by UNWTO Affiliate Member Chameleon Strategies.

More information at: www.DestinationMekong.com

Tags: #DestinationMekongSummit

Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office
c/o 3rd Floor, Department of Tourism, Ministry of Tourism and Sports, 154 Rama 1 Road National Stadium, Wangmai, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Web: www.mekongtourism.org
Tel: +66 2038 5071-1
Mobile: +66 8555 44234, +66 8098 95853

Tripadvisor and Viator Partner to Reveal Travelers’ Choice Awards for Experiences and Attractions

Dubai camel riding

Dubai camel riding and desert BBQ is #1 experience worldwide

Blue Mountains small-group day trip ranks #1 in the South Pacific

Tripadvisor®, the world’s largest travel site together with Viator, the world’s leading tours and activities platform and a Tripadvisor company, today announced the 2020 Travelers’ Choice® awards for Experiences winners. The awards recognize the world’s top bookable experiences - tours and activities - as decided by Tripadvisor and Viator travellers. Tripadvisor also released its winning list of top attractions as a part of this promotion, a list of the top 199 globally.

This year, Tripadvisor and Viator are partnering to announce the Travelers’ Choice Awards for experiences. Bookable experiences on Tripadvisor are powered by Viator, combining Tripadvisor’s power and influence as the biggest travel guidance platform in the world and Viator’s expertise providing the world’s largest selection of high-quality experiences, this is truly the definitive list of experiences that travellers love.

The Travelers’ Choice Awards for Experiences recognize 375 experiences, tours, and activities globally, highlighting the world’s best experiences. They’re also broken down by country, and by category, including day cruises, cultural tours, day trips, multi-day tours, hop-on-hop-off tours, and food, beer, and wine experiences. Winners were determined using an algorithm based on reviews and ratings for bookable experiences over a 12-month period.

“Viator’s global partnership with Tripadvisor ensures that more of the incredible experiences bookable on our site are also available to the world,” said Ben Drew, president of Viator. “No one simply travels to a destination to stay in their hotel room and calls it ‘memorable.’ Viator and Tripadvisor give more travellers the opportunity to experience the richness that a destination can offer, making memories that will last a lifetime -- whether you’re sandboarding in the Arabian desert, or making pizza in a Tuscan farmhouse. This year’s winners illustrate travellers’ appreciation for experiences that are truly unforgettable, and that they’ll remember and talk about for years to come.”

The top global winner this year is a Dubai camel riding and desert BBQ experience, and a day trip to the Blue Mountains captured the top spot in Australia and the South Pacific.

Travellers’ Choice Experiences
Tripadvisor and Viator are proud to announce the top experience providers who are winners of the Travelers’ Choice awards in Asia and globally. They include:

Top 5 Experiences in the South Pacific:

1. All-Inclusive Blue Mountains Small-Group Day Trip from Sydney - Sydney, Australia
2. Great Ocean Road Small-Group Ecotour from Melbourne - Melbourne, Australia
3. Sydney BridgeClimb - Sydney, Australia
4. Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns - Cairns Region, Australia
5. Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Glowworm Caves Day Trip from Auckland - Auckland, New Zealand

Top 5 Experiences in the World:

1. Premium Red Dunes & Camel Safari with BBQ at Al Khayma Camp – Dubai, United Arab Emirates
2. Pizza and Gelato Cooking Class in Tuscan Farmhouse – Florence, Italy
3. Luxury Small-Group Canal Cruise in Open-Air Boat – Amsterdam, Netherlands
4. Discover Berlin Half-Day Walking Tour – Berlin, Germany
5. Northern Ireland Highlights Day Trip Including Giant’s Causeway from Dublin – Dublin, Ireland

Our Travelers’ Choice awards for Experiences identified the top bookable travel experiences listed on Tripadvisor globally. Winners were determined using an algorithm that took into account a business’s reviews, opinions and popularity with travellers over the last year.

Travellers’ Choice Attractions
Tripadvisor is also pleased to announce the top attractions, inclusive of lists for top water parks and amusement parks winning Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best awards in the South Pacific and globally. The awards recognize 199 attractions globally. The Travelers’ Choice Amusement Parks and Water Parks award-winners were determined based on the quality and quantity of traveller reviews and opinions for attractions on Tripadvisor in 2019.

Top 5 Amusement Parks & Water Parks in the South Pacific:
An amusement park or theme park is an entertainment complex featuring a variety of attractions, rides and activities. A water park is an entertainment complex featuring a variety of water attractions, rides and activities.

1. Wetside Water Park - Hervey Bay, Australia
2. Adventure World - Bibra Lake, Australia
3. Splash Planet - Hastings, New Zealand
4. WhiteWater World - Coomera, Australia
5. Gumbuya World - Tynong, Australia

Top 5 Amusement Parks in the World:

1. Magic Kingdom Park – Orlando, FL
2. Puy du Fou – Les Epesses, France
3. Universal's Islands of Adventure – Orlando, Florida
4. Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Orlando, Florida
5. Universal Studios Florida – Orlando, Florida

Top 5 Water Parks in the World:

1. Siam Park – Tenerife, Spain
2. Waterbom Bali – Kuta, Indonesia
3. Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark – Dubai, United Arab Emirates
4. Aqua Dome – Tralee, Ireland
5. Aquapark Istralandia – Novigrad, Croatia

Blue Mountains

Check out the 2020 Travelers’ Choice Award winners, across all categories at tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice to discover highly rated places near you, or get inspired for future trips and save your favourites for when you’re ready to visit. Travellers can also follow the conversation on Twitter at #travelerschoice.

Maslina Resort, Stari Grad Croatia

Maslina Resort, Stari Grad

Hvar, a Croatian island in the Adriatic Sea, is best known for the port town Hvar and its 13th-century walls, hilltop fortress and a main square dominated by the Renaissance-era Hvar Cathedral. 

The 5-star Maslina Resort Hotel, located in the bay of Maslinica on the island of Hvar, will open in summer 2020. 

The resort offers 53 rooms, suites to villas all with a view of the bay of Maslinica and the offshore islands. Natural products such as terracotta, wood, stone and copper have been used throughout to create a ‘warm and classy’ atmosphere. 

Hvar is known for its sailing and water sports for divers, surfers, kiters and snorkelers. Hiking trails allow visitors to explore the countryside and discover beaches and bays. The Maslina Resort, Stari Grad is a member of the Green Pearls sustainable hotels portfolio.

The island also features beaches such as Dubovica and inland lavender fields. Boat excursions serve the nearby Pakleni Islands, which have secluded beaches and coves.

Websites: www.greenpearls.com/hotels/maslina-resort-in-kroatien-green-pearls and 

www.visit-hvar.com

EUROPEANS TO ENJOY TRAVEL THROUGHOUT EUROPE THIS SUMMER !

GREEK ISLAND OF SYMI (PHOTO GNTO)

With many of the European countries now opening up their borders to Europeans who are healthy, the message is clear. Yes, it may take some spunk to leave the safety and comfort of your home, but during these past 3+ months of stay-at-home life, most of the world has adapted to a “new normal” and learned the principles of how to stay healthy during a pandemic. So, if you are healthy, it’s time to seriously consider traveling again. After all — you Europeans are the descendants of the brave-hearted who left the safety of their own world and discovered the New World. Take advantage of the new European Community website ReopenEU which offers country-by-country detailed information on travel restrictions and reopening plans in Europe, while the rest of us will regularly check out the most helpful IATA World Travel Regulations Interactive Map which details Covid-19 travel restrictions for every country in the world.

Danish author Hans Christian Anderson, beloved around the world for his fairy tales, once wrote that “To travel is to live”. We at BonVoyageurs, share this philosophy and believe that travel creates memories and establish relationships that last a lifetime. So, on that note and mindful of how well the countries we have selected have handled the pandemic, here are some suggestions for travel in Europe this summer …

GREECE … a trip to Greece offers a living, breathing step back into the cultural golden age of antiquity like no other place in the world. Plus, Greece always delights on a multitude of levels. Island-hopping from one fascinating, charming, step-back-in-time visit to another. The beauty of the white-washed villages framed in bougainvillea against the azure background of the Aegean and Ionian seas is stunning. The charming slow pace of life sets the ideal vacation mode. The culinary offerings, from the delicious street food to the divine gastronomy, paired with a bottle of Greek wine, or not, excite and satisfy! Greek food is a worldwide favorite, but it truly tastes better in Greece! And how about the fabulous Greek music that inspires you to either clap your hands or get up and dance? If Athens is the site of too many tourists for you, or you simply prefer a quieter pace of life, then head out of town and visit the culturally vibrant city of Thessaloniki situated on the Aegean seacoast in Northern Greece. Asfali taxidia!

DUBROVNIK ON THE ADRIATIC COAST OF CROATIA

CROATIA … George Bernard Shaw once said, “If you want to see heaven on earth, come to Dubrovnik”. Dubrovnik has indisputably become a travel hot spot thanks to its leading role as the filming site for the infamous HBO Game of Thrones series. And rightly so. One of the most perfectly preserved medieval cities in the world, Dubrovnik’s Old Town fortifications were among the most impressive in the Medieval world. And they still are today. But expect to be wowed not only by the awesome views from the ramparts around the city, but also by the preservation of the “medieval” town and the many fine seafood restaurants in this stunning port city along the Adriatic coast of Croatia. Whether you are traveling by sea or car, try also to spend several days in both the coastal cities of Zadar and Split. Here’s an incentive … In 305 AD, Emperor Diocletian chose Split as the site in which to build a magnificent palace for himself to live out his final days. If you have the time to go inland, don’t miss a visit to lively Zagreb. Sigurna putovanja!

BASEL SWITZERLAND

SWITZERLAND … I first traveled to Switzerland when I was 19. Instant coup de foudre, especially with the goose down duvets and Swiss watches! So, this is what chocolate, cheese, yogurt, wine and the list goes on … is supposed to taste like! Plus, most everywhere I went, the scene was worthy of a picture postcard. Whether I was in the Alps looking down or in the charming villages and cities looking up, the views were unforgettable as was the Alpine hiking. Switzerland is certainly an ideal getaway with the emphasis these days on social distancing and spending time outdoors. But the major cities, from Geneva to Zurich, from the capital Bern to enchanting Basel, all offer elegant restaurants, beautiful shops, interesting museums, and a safe and clean visit.

If you go to Geneva, be sure to take out a paddleboat on Lac Leman. In Zurich, don’t miss the truly gorgeous five stained glass windows by Chagall in the 11th century Fraumünster Church, and be sure to make a visit to the Swiss National Museum. Lastly, one of our favorite visits in Switzerland was to Basel, a very scenic university town on the border with France and Germany with the Rhine river meandering through it. We spent close to a full day walking the city to enjoy and admire the Art in the City tour that features stunning original works of art situated on the walkways of the city, each with its own plaque containing an explanation of the creation and a brief bio of the artist. Also worthy of a visit is an outing to Fondation Beyeler in Riehen, approximately a 20-minute tram ride into the suburbs. Enjoy the art collection, including 23 Picassos and an impressive impressionist collection. Bon voyage en toute sécurité! Sichere reisen! Buon viaggio!

LOUVRE MUSEUM IN PARIS FRANCE

FRANCE … Our first trip around France was the summer of our first year living there. We departed our home in Besançon and headed for the Loire Valley. Beautiful countryside, charming little hotels with croissants & café au lait served to us in bed, picnic lunches of cheese, paté & wine with our French cat, outdoor candlelight dinners with exquisite food, and fairy-tale castles to visit during the day. And that was just the beginning of our 5-week trip around France. I was enchanted the entire time. Enough to alter my career path once I was back home in the States and set up a business taking me to Paris at least twice/year. Plus, we took a month-long visit in the French alps with our daughters every summer. France was nourishment for our souls — all 4 of us. It provided us with the perfect environment to learn the technique of slowing down and pursuing the French art of joie de vivre. With so much beauty, art, divine food, historical places to visit, and awesome shopping opportunities… there was simply never a dull moment and yet … there was always plenty of opportunity and the perfect environment to unwind.

VILLEFRANCHE-SUR-MER NEAR NICE IN FRANCE

While France is full of fabulous places to vacation, here are some of our favorites: rent an air-conditioned apartment (so you can close the windows and sleep comfortably and peacefully at night) around the Marché aux Fleurs across from the beach in Nice and mix day trip outings to places like Chateau Eza in Eze, Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild in St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, La Colombe d’Or in Saint-Paul de Vence, the Musee Picasso in Antibes, Cafe de Paris in Monaco, La Mere Germaine in Villefranche-sur-Mer, (and so much more !!!) with days of total relaxation at our favorite Beach Club in Nice, Plage Beau Rivage … rent a vacation home at Provence Paradise in Saint-Remy de Provence and use this as your base to travel around the Provence region. Hint: check out the walk in the footprints of Van Gogh and other artists who sojourned there … do a wine tour of Bordeaux and add on Cognac and Armagnac while you are in the neighborhood … go mountain biking and hiking and enjoy Alpine summer sports at Les Arcs (a favorite of ours when the kids were young) which offers trails and sightseeing itineraries and make sure to visit Chamonix for French Alpine charm… Hint: ask for a room with a view of Mont Blanc! Most importantly, pace yourself, take time to savor each experience, each meal, each view, and enjoy every day! Bon voyage en toute sécurité!

Americans and others beyond the borders of Europe … start dreaming! Our invite to visit is coming soon!

Stay tuned to BonVoyageurs.com for our writings about other Countries of the World as we share our joie de vivre from around the world. Luxury escapes, cruises and city breaks to Québec City, New York, Washington, Buenos Aires. In Europe and the Mediterranean, places like Paris and Nice in France, Florence, Rome, Napoli and the Amalfi Coast in Italy, Tel Aviv and Jerusalem in Israel. In Asia, countries like China, India, Nepal and so much more!

Website: http://www.bonvoyageurs.com/

Scenic Group starts construction on Eclipse II

The Scenic Group has begun construction in Croatia on its new Eclipse II luxury discovery yacht

The new vessel will be a sister ship to Scenic Eclipse, which was voted best luxury ship in the world in 2019, and will be the first of five new custom-built vessels planned for the next six years across the group. 

The 228-guest (200 in Polar regions) Scenic Eclipse II will feature two six-guest helicopters, one six-guest submarine, 10 dining options, indoor and outdoor plunge pools and a 1:1 guest-to-staff ratio. 

Once complete, Scenic Eclipse II will have a first season sailing six-star luxury cruises through destinations including the Arctic, Antarctica, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. Sailings across The Scenic Group brands (including Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours and Emerald Cruises) are currently suspended up to 30 June 2020.

Website: https://www.scenic.com.au/

Discover the world’s bestsailing destinations with Sunsail

Imagine looking out toward the horizon, the sunset glittering on the ocean, a warm breeze gently blowing, you clink champagne glasses and relax soaking up the last of the sun’s rays while waiting for dinner to be served on board your Sunsail yacht. This is the dream.

Making that dream a reality has never been easier. Sunsail offer yacht charters to the world’s most beautiful locations. Those with the right qualifications can charter their own yacht with Sunsail. Those without, can opt for the help of a skipper and crew to take charge. All you need to do, is pick from one of Sunsail’s exotic destinations and set sail.

The Caribbean
If the siren call of the Caribbean has caught your attention, you’re in luck. Sunsail offer sailing across several Caribbean islands. Discover the reason so many stories have been set in this part of the world by island hopping between St. Lucia and Grenada, dive to an underwater garden in Tortola, explore ancient Mayan ruins in Belize and relax on the pristine beaches of Antigua.

Destinations in the Caribbean offer a variety of sailing levels and itineraries. Beginners will love the real-life Treasure Island of Tortola. Those with a little more sailing experience, or with a crewed yacht, can enjoy diving the famous ship wrecks of the Bahamas, the laid-back beaches of St Martin, and spectacular reef near Antigua. Sailors with a lot of experience, or crewed yachts, can get to know the lush rainforests of Belize, the year-round warm weather of Grenada, the moreish local cuisine on St Lucia, and the protected marine parks of Exumas in the Bahamas.

The Mediterranean
The Mediterranean - where culture and cuisine combine to absolute perfection. With food, wine, historical cities and landmarks, and endless azure waters, the Mediterranean is an ideal sailing destination for all levels. Explore Croatia, Greece, Italy and Spain with a variety of Sunsail itineraries.

Some of the easiest sailing conditions can be found around the Dalmatian Coast near Croatia. Discover the terracotta city of Dubrovnik and explore the quiet islands and national parks around Marina Agana.

Greece offers destinations for all sailing levels. Beginners and intermediate sailors will love Corfu and Lefkas, and those with a little more experience or a crewed charter will be lost in the beauty of Athens and its surrounding islands.
A country known for its passion is sure to ignite a fire in your heart with sailings around Portarosa and the UNESCO-protected Aeolian Islands, the luxurious resort offerings around Procida, and the outstanding food and wine in Sardinia.

Sailing around Mallorca and Palma in Spain is adventurous. It’s best for intermediate sailors or those with a crewed charter. Explore the pristine beaches, ancient towns and gothic churches, and of course, the exceptional sailing through crystal clear waters.

South-East Asia, the South Pacific and Australia
When it comes to exceptional weather, lush greenery, white sand beaches and some of the world’s most incredible reef systems, Thailand, French Polynesia, Tonga and Australia know what they’re talking about.

Intermediate sailors (or crewed charters) will find paradise around Phuket, Thailand. Explore hidden caves, swim and dive with manta rays and whale sharks, dance until the sun comes up and taste the fresh, flavoursome traditional cuisine.

French Polynesia offers remote, exotic sailing with a beauty unlike almost anywhere in the world. Intermediate sailors can easily navigate the ocean around Raiatea, French Polynesia to discover coral reefs, Polynesian temples, and dramatic scenery.

Whale lovers unite. Tonga is the place to sail if you want to see these gentle giants. Intermediate sailors (or crewed charters) can island hop in this region to uncover the secrets of Tonga. Enjoy the local cuisine, the native wildlife, and the stunning Hunga Lagoon.

Australia’s Whitsundays offer a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. It’s easy sailing for beginners and presents a unique opportunity to see the most famous reef system in the world up close. Dive and snorkel with turtles and dugongs and relax on the softest beaches in the world.

When it comes to the very best sailing destinations in the world, Sunsail have got it covered. Experience their self-chartered yachts, crewed charters, or even take part in sailing school. Sunsail have more than 40 years of experience expertly chartering and designing bespoke holidays. They offer unparalleled service, exceptional attention to detail and plenty of exciting destination options in the world’s best locations.

www.sunsail.com.au

The Moorings unlock’s Croatia’s secret for those who enjoy a good wine

Croatia is a country known for its white stone villages, terracotta cities and glittering Adriatic waters. And it has a secret. Croatia produces incredible wines. While tourists flock to places like Italy, Spain and France for wine, you can avoid the crowds without compromising on quality by heading to Croatia.

Croatia’s coastline is the perfect setting for a wine-soaked sailing holiday with The Moorings. Croatia is home to approximately 40 native grapes, and the original home of Zinfandel. The diverse climate and viticulture of Croatia varies from north to south, and produces well-balanced and complex wines.

The Moorings suggested Agana charter itinerary touches on some of the region’s best wine area. The itinerary takes you along the Dalmatian Coast, where you can explore the coves and bays that make this coastline so special. You can easily indulge in excellent swimming and snorkelling, as well as relaxing on the pristine beaches, browsing the wares of local markets and bazaars and of course sampling the wine. On the suggested seven-day itinerary, there are two excellent destinations for wine – Split and Hvar.

Split
Split is the second largest city in Croatia. It’s home to more than its fair share of wine bars. The Zinfandel Food and Wine Bar offers an extensive list of Zinfandel wines. For those wanting to visit a vineyard, Putalj Winery is the place to go. The wines are made using over 100 years of experience and tradition. There is a winery tour offered once a day around 5pm (just in time for a sunset wine), but be sure to book ahead as spaces can fill up quickly. The wine tour is hosted by the winemaker and offers tastings directly from the fermentation tanks, current vintage tastings, olive oil tastings and a tasting platter paired with the wines.

Hvar
Hvar is just a short yacht ride from Split and a popular location for celebrities to dock with their mega-yachts. But it’s not just the celebrities that are attracting attention to Hvar, its grape cultivation and wines are of exceptional calibre. Hvar has been in continuous cultivation since 400 B.C. It’s safe to say, they know what they’re doing in Hvar. Hvar is also home to the highest number of native grape varieties in the region (about 100). Master of Wine, Jo Ahearne loved the area so much, he established a winery there by the name of Ahearne Vino. Other wineries waiting to be explored are Zlatan Otok and Andro Tomic’s winery in Jelsa (make sure you try the barrel-aged Plavac Mali). To explore the wineries of the island, it’s best to hire a car. Better yet, hire a driver so you can sample all the wine and bring some back to the yacht for later.

A typical seven-day Agana, Croatia itinerary centres on cruising the islands of Solta, Hvar, Vis, and Brac, and to the Kornati Islands National Park north of the port of Split. If you want to modify or extend you’re the Moorings sailing holiday, the itinerary can be tailored to suit your needs.

Agana, Croatia

The Moorings Yacht Charter | 7-days | From AU $1,680
https://www.moorings.com.au/destinations/mediterranean/croatia-yacht-charters/itinerary
The Moorings dedication to exceptional sailing destinations, refined service and attention to detail make them the world’s premier yacht charter company. With over 50 years of experience, The Moorings offer a plethora of sailing knowledge. Discover Croatia’s best kept secret with The Moorings.

www.moorings.com.au

Star Clippers adds new ports to favourite sailing locations and a new cruise destination in its 2020 brochure

To celebrate another year of luxury sailings, Star Clippers has released their 2020 brochure and with it, a new destination and plenty of new ports to explore. Get ready to discover Star Clippers newest destination - Cambodia’s Koh Rong Island and Sihanoukville. And after an incredibly successful first season, Star Clippers is returning to Borneo in 2020. Star Clippers has also added three new ports to the 2020 season - Stintino, Zadar and Vis Island.

Southeast Asia is a top travel destination for Australians travelling overseas. Star Clippers welcomes the newest destination to their Southeast Asian sailings in 2020 - Cambodia.

Sail from Thailand to Cambodia on the Star Clippers Ko Samui roundtrip. Choose 10-night or 11-nights, starting in April 2020. With stops on the lush forested island of Koh Rong, the uninterrupted beaches of Cambodia’s trendiest city, Sihanoukville, and in-depth exploration of the iconic must-see temple, Ankor Wat (two-day land addition), Cambodia boasts excellence all round. Prices start from AU$4,810* per person for 10 nights and AU$5,290* per person for 11 nights.

Star Clippers is offering itineraries between Singapore and Kota Kinabalu, to explore the dense rainforests of Sarawak and the abundant wildlife in Sabah in Malaysian Borneo.

In the Western Mediterranean, the Royal Clipper is set to visit new ports on its seven-night Corsica, Sardinia and Riviera sailings. The roundtrip out of Cannes includes a visit to the stylish Italian town, Portofino (not a new inclusion) and Sardinia’s best beach in the traditional village of Stintino. Departing in 19th September and 3rd October 2020, the Cannes roundtrip starts at AU$3,475* per person.

The Western Mediterranean sailings offer new ports in Croatia as well, including Zadar and its stunning Roman ruins, and an old favourite, the red-tiled city of Korcula (Croatia’s city of love). Step onboard the Royal Clipper with adventures across Italy, Montenegro and Croatia. The 11-night itinerary offers an exclusive experience at a new port on Croatia’s Vis Island. The island, previously untouched by tourism, is a highlight of the region.

With expanding destinations and ports across Southeast Asia and the Western Mediterranean, Star Clippers is sure to shine in 2020. They even offer an exclusive early booking discount of up to 30 percent. Why put off to tomorrow, what you want today. Contact Star clippers for your brochure and find out more about the trips and pricing deals.

For more information visit: www.starclippers.com/au

These Pure Adventures Give You Sole, Put You Back in the Saddle, and Drop You into the Cockpit

A Croation Bay

As well as dedicated bike experiences, Pure Adventures (http://pure-adventures.com/) offers travelers a variety of hiking and multisport options (guided and self-guided) in Europe and Latin America.

“Many travelers enjoy the stable simplicity of a good, week-long hike. Others want diversity and crave the opportunity to mix it up with biking and paddling too,” notes Pure Adventures Founder and CEO Loren Siekman. “We offer a variety of activities to provide the best possible options for our clients to see the world their way.”

Pure Adventures' hiking and multisport adventures will get your soles moving down trails, experiencing a destination from the saddle of a bicycle, or paddling near sea life from the cockpit of a kayak. Some of their options include:

• Croatia – Dalmatian Coast Hiking Tour: This self-guided hiking tour focuses on the mainland coast and many off-shore islands. The route is dotted with historical towns, cities and villages, and visiting the islands is simply a "must" when on the Dalmatian Coast. https://pure-adventures.com/show-tour/180/croatia-dalmatian-coast-hiking-tour/
• France – Normandy Hiking Tour: This route takes you through some of Normandy's best-known sites and towns. The port of Honfleur gives way to interior lands where apples are made into cider and the famous Norman whiskey, Calvados. The hike leads to the somber landing beaches of WWII. https://pure-adventures.com/show-tour/165/france-normandy-hiking-tour/
• Portugal – Madeira Island Hiking Tour: This great hiking tour exposes you to the stunning sceneries of this volcanic island, including its mountains, cliffs and levadas, an extensive network of small irrigation channels that make the perfect path for adventurous hikers. https://pure-adventures.com/show-tour/232/portugal-madeira-island-hiking-tour/
• Italy – Mt. Etna & Aeolian Islands Hiking: A self-guided adventure through the Aeolian Islands, a string of seven volcanic islets that glimmer like black pearls off Sicily's Mediterranean shoreline. Experience the charming historic city of Catania, immense and impressive Mount Etna - the largest active volcano in Europe – and Taormina's spectacular Greek Theatre. https://pure-adventures.com/show-tour/220/italy-sicily-mt-etna-aeolian-islands-hiking/
• Argentina – Multisport Adventure Tour: The cultural aspect of the trip is deep and genuine, allowing you to share time with people who work the land. This is a truly responsible trip, designed to support grassroots projects that need the income travelers can provide. Over six days, you'll explore 1,300 km via 4x4s, bikes, horses and on foot. https://pure-adventures.com/show-tour/207/argentina-multi-sport-adventure-tour/
• Croatia – Bike & Kayak Tour: A self-guided bicycle and kayaking tour through the Dalmatian Coast and surrounding islands. You will see the Romans' influence in Split, bike the UNESCO World Heritage Site Stari Grad Plain, pass through quaint towns and fishing villages, kayak the Korcula Archipelago, then finish in Dubrovnik. https://pure-adventures.com/show-tour/206/croatia-bike-kayak-tour

For more information on all of Pure Adventures' guided, self-guided and supported, self-directed tours, call: 800-960-2221 or 480-905-1235, Email: [email protected], or visit online: http://pure-adventures.com.

Fresh, New Options for European Bike Tours

For a fresh, new take on the continent, Pure Adventures offers new options for travelers to see Europe their way, via guided and self-guided active bike adventures.

Pure Adventures ) has a special affinity for all things European and for bicycles. The company is actually one of the early pioneers in North America to offer self-guided bicycle tours in France. They began 25 years ago and then expanded to offer a variety of trips around the globe.

New trips to Europe for 2019 include:

• Austria – Salzburg-Vienna Mozart And Danube Bike – This fresh twist on a traditional Danube bike tour allows travelers to first explore Salzburg and access the Danube via the lesser-known Mozart Trail.
• Croatia – Bike and Boat – Unpack once as your lodging is a refurbished yacht that brings you to several small Mediterranean islands to bike across.
• England – Cotswolds Stonehenge Bike Tour – Cycle through quintessentially perfect Cotswold countryside and villages to witness the World Heritage sites of Stonehenge, Bath and Blenheim Palace.
• France – Best of Dordogne Bike Tour – Starting and finishing in the village of Monpazier, south of the Dordogne River, travelers will visit the prehistoric sites of Les Eyzies and Montignac, charming medieval towns, cave paintings, fascinating abbeys, and brilliant crops and vineyards.
• Holland – Dutch Highlights Bike Tour – Beautiful historic towns, typical lowlands with canals, lakes and windmills and a tour through Holland's cheese valley, with unique cheese experiences and top-quality lodging each night.
• Ireland – Galway To Dublin Bike Tour – An ancient landscape with plenty of attractions along the quiet backroads, travelers will bike through Ireland's 'Ancient East'.
• Spain – Cycling from Granada To Cordoba – This tour connects the world-renown cultural cities of Granada and Cordova, taking a journey through time across unique landscapes and natural reserves along the way.

For more information on all of Pure Adventures' guided, self-guided and supported, self-directed tours, call: 800-960-2221 or 480-905-1235, Email: [email protected], or visit online: http://pure-adventures.com.

Yacht Charters in Mediterranean, France-Greece-Italy-Croatia

Cruise the Famous French Riviera, Spain, Italy and Greek Islands with your own yacht.

Alpha Yachting specializes in crewed and skippered motor yacht charters in Greece and private cruises to the Greek Islands. All motor yachts, motor sailors & sailing yachts are permanently crewed. For bareboats a captain and hostess can be provided for an additional cost.

Boat rentals in the Mediterranean guarantee an unforgettable holiday. In excellent weather conditions, sailing on calm waters is a real pleasure. You can enjoy many anchorage points, including beautiful small sheltered coves and well equipped harbors. Onboard a chartered boat is the best way to taste all the charms of the Mediterranean. Yacht charter in the Mediterranean offers an exceptional cruise in a wonderful natural experience.

Motor Yachts
We offer motor yachts for charter in the Mediterranean. Our crewed luxury motor yachts sail you and your guests to the far reaches of Greece's mainland and Greek islands at cruise speeds of up to 35 knots. If you want to see as much of Greece and the Greek islands as possible in the shortest time and do it in luxury, then a power cruising motor yacht is the ideal choice.

Motor Sailors
Crewed motor sailors feature a more spacious interior than the typical sailing yacht and have larger, more robust machinery for cruising under power alone. Other advantages of chartering a crewed motor sailor yacht in Greece is the additional deck space for sunbathing and roomy dining areas plus increased storage for water sports equipment. Our crewed motor sailors available for charters in Greece are all of exceptional quality in terms of their interior furnishings and facilities. Our motor sailors are available for charter anywhere in the Mediterranean.

Sailing Yachts
Combining exhilarating performance under sail, an ability to motor at speeds of up to 10 kn/hour, luxurious interiors & facilities, means that large charter sailing yachts are no longer associated with hardy sailors and bunk beds! Over recent years the construction techniques and overall quality of crewed sailing yachts for charter has increased enormously and you will find some superb examples of this in the following pages. A wonderful advantage of crewed sailing yacht charter in Greece is the total peace and quiet when the engine is turned off and you sail off into the sunset for unforgettable charter yacht sailing holidays in Greece.

Catamarans

Alpha Yachting Greece offer a full range of sailing yachts & catamarans for charter & rental in Greece and the Mediterranean, from 30' to 61' foot charter catamarans, with a minimum of 5 to a maximum of 12 berths. Our catamarans for charter in Greece and Italy, are carefully selected from some of the most famous boat builders to satisfy our high standards of function and safety. These catamaran sailing yachts, are superbly equipped and we strive to constantly improve them down to the smallest detail.

Tour Dates: April to November
Cost: From $3,000 - $30,000/boat/day
Rate Includes: Boat charter per day, plus expenses(fuel consumption, food/drinks)
Tour Location: France-Italy-Greece-Croatia

For more information contact the yacht charter team at Alpha Yachting, [email protected] Tel. 954 234 2203

The Moorings celebrates 50 years with up to 20% off

To celebrate their 50th anniversary The Moorings is offering up to 20% off charter holidays in Tahiti, Croatia, Greece, Spain and the British Virgin Islands (BVI) in February.
 
Relax and set sail the BVI in the Caribbean - a collection of sixty unspoilt islands including four larger islands - Tortola, Anegada, Virgin Gorda and Jost Van Dyke. With 300,000 acres of coral reefs the BVI is a snorkellers a heaven where you may spot the leatherback turtle, an occasional visitor which weighs around 600kg or the commonly found Hawksbill and Green Turtles. 

Other underwater sights include caves, tunnels, shipwrecks, giant boulders and grottoes. Explore Virgin Gorda’s natural granite pillars or try the national dish, ‘fish and fungi’. Visit the iconic ‘Willy T’s’ near Norman Island, a floating Pirate Bar which serves cocktails such as Dark and Stormies, Rum Punches and Bush Whackers. For hiking enthusiasts, the island’s highest point is at Sage National Park in Tortola, which looks out across the archipelago. On the nature trail at Bones Bight in Anegada, catch a glimpse of the rare rock iguanas or pink flamingos. Take a dip at Jost Van Dyke’s White Bay Beach – listed as one of Forbes’ “Best Caribbean Beaches For 2019”.
 
For a taste of paradise on the other side of the world, The Moorings’ base is in Palma on the island of Mallorca. Mallorca has played host to many celebrities including Audrey Hepburn and Elizabeth Taylor. Mallorca has more than 540km of coastline, 300 days of sunshine per year and a wide variety of beaches, from sandy coves to pebbled waterfronts. Sample local produce at Santa Catalina which has Palma’s oldest food market and see yellow and red painted facades of traditional houses, rustic green wooden shutters, and small front balconies adorned with plants and flowers. Visit La Madeleine de Proust for a buttery croissant, fruit tartlets and freshly baked olive bread. Explore the Island’s caves, the Coves del Drach on the east coast; a surreal underground collection of giant stalactites, stalagmites and underground lakes. Palma’s Old Town has gothic architecture built in the 14th century, including the ‘La Seu’ Cathedral. Continue your adventure with a journey to nearby islands Ibiza, Menorca and Formentera.
 
A Moorings 4000 catamaran for up to 6 people is priced from A$7,295 (or $1,215 pp with 6 people) for a 7-night charter in the BVI and from A$5,595 (or $930 pp with 6 people) for a 7-night charter in Spain.
 
The Moorings offers self-skippered monohulls; sail catamarans with a skipper; a high-performance power catamaran or a crewed yacht with a captain and chef.
 
The Moorings was founded by Charlie and Ginny Carey as a slim fleet of six yachts in the British Virgin Islands. Since then it has grown to be the world’s most renowned and largest fleet in charter history and has expanded to 20 destinations across the world including St Martin, Seychelles, Tahiti, Thailand, Italy, Greece and the Bahamas.
 
Keep up to date with The Moorings latest offers at www.moorings.com.au/special-offers

Travel Europe – the ‘Europe Holidays’ way - A new choice for consumers

Consumers have a new choice for European travel, with the launch of Europe Holidays, a convenient reservations platform that gives travellers easy access to hundreds of escorted tours, cruises and island hopping packages, supported by an expert team 24/7.

Part of Magic Tours International Group, an Australian family owned company with 25 years’ experience, which encompasses Select World Travel & Cruise and iFly.net.au, Europe Holidays offers meticulously curated itineraries throughout Europe, the Mediterranean, North Africa and the Middle East.

Managing Director, Chip Popescu, explains the inspiration for the company.

“We have brought together our passion for Europe, our vast real world experience gained through Select World Travel and our online expertise of iFly.net.au, to create the perfect combination that allows consumers the flexibility to book when and where they want, supported by the expertise and destination insights that only a true travel professional can provide,” says Popescu.

“Europe Holidays really brings together the best of both worlds – online and offline – for the benefit of our travellers.”

The company’s signature tours include a 9-day Dalmatian Sunshine itinerary, which has an emphasis on the architectural and historical charms of Croatia, visiting Dubrovnik, Split, Plitvice Lakes, Postojna Cave, Bled, Ljubljana and Zagreb, and an 8-day Venice, Florence and Rome tour that encapsulates the renaissance splendour of the Tuscan capital, Florence, and the region’s stunning panorama. It also specialises in Island Hopping arrangements in Croatia, Greece and Spain.

“Our tours provide a balance of expert escorted guidance and free time, providing flexibility to ensure our passengers see the highlights, but can also explore their own interests while travelling through some of Europe’s most incredible cities.”

To celebrate the company’s launch, a competition is offering consumers the chance to win a Cannes & Monte Carlo Film Festival and F1 experience. The $10,000 value prize includes return economy flights for two to Nice, four nights on the French Riviera, the chance to go star spotting in Cannes, tickets to the 2018 Monaco F1 Grand Prix, a Michelin Star meal and a personalised itinerary.

Competition entry is via www.europeholidays.com.au/cannesmonaco..

BIKE & BARGE OFFERS & LAST MINUTE AVAILABILITY FOR 2016

Last minute discounts for departures in September & October 2016 *

Savings of up to $1500 per person on cycling cruises on the canals and rivers of Germany, Holland, Belgium, France, Italy, Austria or Croatia.

Flat and easy cycling to the historic towns of Bruges, Antwerp, Ghent or Amsterdam.

Explore the Isle of Capri or the UNESCO listed Croatian towns of Trogir, Primošten or Šibenik with its famous cathedral, the Krka National Park with its waterfalls and the spectacular Kornati Islands.

Discover the Champagne, Alsace or Bordeaux wine regions of France or the Moselle Valley in Germany - all by boat with daily guided sightseeing by bicycle.

Bike & Barge cycling cruises combine two popular ways of exploring Europe, cycling and river cruising. These tours allow partners of different abilities and interests to holiday together (tours are just as interesting for leisure cyclists OR cycling enthusiasts), you unpack once, come ‘home’ each night to a wonderful meal and a comfortable cabin with your own bathroom. Well-maintained multi-geared bikes are provided (you can bring your own if you prefer). The cycling is fascinating and varied with free time at each day’s destination.

Call Outdoor Travel in Bright on 1800 331582 or (03) 57551743 or see: http://bit.ly/2aSPoyw

Discount offers by date:

• Departs 17th September 2016

France: Champagne Paris to Reims STANDARD barge, usually $1725 per person (twin share) – see this link: France - Paris to Champagne STANDARD barge GUIDED cycling cruise 2016
Now $1225 (twin share) – save $500 per person

• Departs 17th September 2016

Luxembourg France: Wasserbillig to Toul STANDARD PLUS barge usually $1575 per person (twin share) – see this link:  France Luxembourg - Moselle Toul to Wasserbillig STANDARD PLUS barge GUIDED cycle cruise 2016
Now $1475 (twin share) – save $100 per person

• Departs 24th September 2016

France: Champagne Reims to Paris, STANDARD barge usually $1725 per person (twin share) – see this link: France - Paris to Champagne STANDARD barge GUIDED cycling cruise 2016
Now $1225 (twin share) – save $500 per person

• Departs 1st October 2016

France & Belgium: Paris to Bruges, STANDARD barge, two-weeks usually $3375 per person (twin share) – see this link: France & Belgium - Two-week Bruges to Paris STANDARD barge GUIDED cycle cruise 2016
Now $2375 (twin share) – save $1000 per person

• Departs 1st October 2016

France & Belgium: Paris to Bruges, STANDARD barge, three-weeks usually $5100 per person (twin share) – see this link: France Belgium Holland - Three-week STANDARD Barge GUIDED cycle cruise Paris to Amsterdam 2016
Now $3600 (twin share) – save $1500 per person

• Departs 1st October 2016

Croatia: National Parks Dalmatia PREMIUM PLUS E-Bikes usually $2460 per person (twin share) – see this link: Croatia - National Parks of Dalmatia PREMIUM or PREMIUM PLUS boat GUIDED cycle cruise 2016
Now $1960 (twin share) – save $500 per person

• Departs 1st & 15th October 2016

Italy: Amalfi Coast & Gulf of Naples, PREMIUM barge, usually $2330 per person (twin share) – see this link: Italy - Amalfi Coast & Bay of Naples PREMIUM boat GUIDED cycle cruise 2016
Now $2180 (twin share) – save $150 per person

• Departs 1st, 8th & 15th October 2016

France: Bordeaux guided, PREMIUM barge, usually $2530 per person (twin share) on GUIDED tour – see this link: France - Bordeaux & Wines of Aquitaine PREMIUM boat GUIDED or SELF-GUIDED cycle cruise 2016
Now $2180 (twin share) – save $350 per person

• Departs 15th October 2016

Germany: Metz - Cochem, PREMIUM Plus barge, usually $1955 per person (twin share) – see this link: Germany, Luxembourg & France – Metz to Cochem PREMIUM PLUS barge GUIDED cycle cruise 2016
Now $1655 (twin share) – save $300 per person

• Departs 15th October 2016

Luxembourg France: Wasserbillig to Toul, STANDARD PLUS barge usually $1575 per person (twin share) – see this link: France, Luxembourg - Moselle Toul to Wasserbillig STANDARD PLUS barge GUIDED cycle cruise 2016
Now $1475 (twin share) – save $100 per person

• Departs 15th October 2016

France & Belgium: Paris to Bruges, PREMIUM PLUS barge, two-weeks usually $3955 per person (twin share) – see this link: France & Belgium - Two-week Bruges to Paris PREMIUM PLUS barge GUIDED cycle cruise 2016
Now $2955 (twin share) – save $1000 per person

• Departs 15th October 2016

Belgium & Holland: Bruges to Amsterdam STANDARD usually $1725 per person (twin share) – see this link: Holland & Belgium – Amsterdam to Bruges various PREMIUM PLUS, PREMIUM or STANDARD barge GUIDED cycle cruise on different routes 2016
Now $1225 (twin share) – save $500 per person

* Conditions apply – limited cabins available on these departures - ask for details
For reservations or more information call toll free 1800 331 582

For all cycling tour and boating holiday details by destination see our webpage: http://bit.ly/2buiZPf

Explore the “It Girl” of Europe – Croatia.

The ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, otherwise known as Dubrovnik and the long, jagged Dalmatian Coastline that is dotted with hundreds of lush offshore islands are the main reasons why this region has become one of the hottest tourist destinations for Australian Travellers.

Croatia by Land

One of the most popular ways in which to discover the unique cities of Croatia is on an escorted tour, and one of the most popular tours is the Dalmatian Sunshine. This 9 day tour begins in Dubrovnik, then heads to Split and Plitvice Lakes, a National Park and UNESCO Heritage listed site that harbours a breath-taking collection of waterfalls, lakes, forest and wonderful diversity of animal life. You’ll then continue to Postojna Cave, Bled, Ljubljana, and finish off in Zagreb. 2016 tour prices start from just $2313 per person with departures from April to October.

Croatia by Sea

One of the best ways to explore the beauty that is on offer is on a cruise. Visit such ports at Zadar, with its wealth of churches, majestic Dubrovnik, the cultural jewel of Croatia, Hvar and Korcula Islands, as well as stunning Miljet National Park, with a former Benedictine monastery, erected there in the 12th century, smack dab right in the middle of the lake. Younger travellers love to sail the Croatian Islands by Vintage-Sailing ship and these 8 day cruises start from $532 per person. Eastern Eurotours, a leading Australian wholesaler has been sending Australians to Croatia for over 22 years and have a great range of cruise itineraries to choose from.

Island Hop Around

Island hopping is not just a great way to see Greece, but is also one of the easiest and most affordable ways to explore some of the 100's of islands scattered along the coastline of Croatia. There are a number of airlines that can get you into Croatia easily and you can begin your adventure in the north and end up in the south or keep it simple and Island Hop around in a circular route. Itineraries range from 3 days to 11 days with Eastern Eurotours & Mediterranean Holidays.

Croatia is a destination for travellers on all types of budgets so if your dreaming of a holiday here you will not only walk the medieval wall surrounding the old city of Dubrovnik and the marble streets with its beautifully preserved Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque churches, monasteries, palaces and fountains. But you will also immerse yourself in the crystal blue waters of the Croatian Adriatic.

Enjoy some glitz and nightlife in Hvar, the sites and streets in Zagreb, a city immerging as Croatia’s Capital of Cool. This city has always had a thriving urban scene of alternative music, edgy fashions, creative clubbing and colourful bars; it’s just now that Croatia-bound travellers are paying much more attention.

No matter how you explore Croatia you will marvel at beautiful scenery, ancient architecture, sun-drenched beaches and traditions. Although it is one of the most popular destinations to visit in the Mediterranean, Croatia has not given into mass tourism and still promotes itself as "the Mediterranean as it once was".

Call Eastern Eurotours & Mediterranean Holidays to book your next Croatian Holiday on 1800 242 353 or visit www.easterneurotours.com.au.