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Touring Australia and New Zealand

Monday, August 09, 2010

When a place has as much to offer as Australia & New Zealand, it is wise to organize your time before leaving home. By arranging an independent tour or joining an escorted, group tour, you'll be able to make the most efficient use of your time and see more of the wonder down under.

Australia and New Zealand are full of amazing natural landscapes, vibrant cities and modern attractions. There's so much of interest it's not surprising visitors return inspired and excited about their experiences.

New Zealand is compact and can be covered, top to bottom, in a couple of weeks.

Across the Tasman Sea lies Australia. This vast country has many areas catering to visitors that are long distances apart.

Combining both countries is an adventure of a lifetime as you see two of the most fascinating countries in the world - from spectacular Fjordland National Park, New Zealand to Ayers Rock, Australia and everything surrounding these amazing places.

Independent Touring

Through our industry partnerships, we can arrange a custom vacation for you to see all you want in Australia and New Zealand.

From luxury hotels to budget camping adventures there are many options available for singles, families and groups.
In New Zealand, the road system on both the North and South islands is immaculately maintained and un-crowded making it easy to tour by car or motor-home. You can also travel by rail and coach.
Farm stays let you experience first hand a vital part of these agricultural nations.
With the long distances in Australia, take advantage of an air pass if you have limited time. There are also rail and coach passes available for independent travellers.
Independent tours designed for families include activities just for kids like a visit to the School of the Air, a program of radio instruction for children of the Outback.
For the outdoor adventurer, trekking, bird and wildlife viewing are safe and pleasant in New Zealand as there are no natural predators or snakes. Take a hike on White Island, an active marine volcano or through the Waitomo Caves to glow worm grotto. Go bungee jumping where it was invented, in Queenstown, the capital of extreme adventure activity.

Escorted Tours

For many travellers, organized tours with a group provide the most efficient way to see the most important areas of Australia and New Zealand. They enjoy the carefree experience with luggage handled for them, having a full time local guide and the camaraderie of travelling with others.

Tours are available with accommodation from budget to luxury with most sightseeing and some meals included.
Group Tours range from a one day tour to the Hunter Valley north of Sydney to comprehensive one month tours of both countries with domestic flights included.
Combine shorter tours and city stays to create your own adventure. Pick and choose from a wide selection of destination and special interest escorted tours.
A must see, easily visited by guided tour, is famous Ayers Rock, situated at the Red Centre of Australia, the dry, outback desert area in the middle of the country. The area is part of Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park which is Aboriginal land and one of the few World Heritage properties listed for both natural and cultural importance. Experience Aboriginal culture at the visitors centre and music and dance shows.
To see more of the South Pacific, add a stop over in Fiji or the Cook Islands to your flight home.

Last but not least, you can combine both a land and sea vacation on a cruise tour of Australia and New Zealand. Cruising Australia and New Zealand is an adventure that offers a diversity of landscapes and experiences unmatched anywhere else in the world. The ports you'll visit are amongst the most varied and interesting in the world. You can discover more of these exciting countries by adding a tour before or after your cruise. This could certainly be your most memorable vacation

Australia tour packages and independant vacations were just released for all of 2011 through early 2012. There are some wonderful promotions available for booking made by the end of August.

Paula Deen Cruise

Saturday, July 31, 2010

C’mon y’all, let’s go!

Invite your friends to get in on "inspired" FUN & SUN as Ensemble Inspired Journeys presents a Paula Deen Cruise: Western Caribbean Party-at-Sea!

Sail seven days roundtrip Ft. Lauderdale – January 30-February 6, 2011 – aboard Holland America Line’s brand-new ms Nieuw Amsterdam from $1,529 per person.

Paula Deen and Family are setting sail for an exciting and delectable winter-busting cruise. And we’ve got lots of surprises in store! Everything from a cooking critique to private parties (including a barbecue and the first ever Deen Beach Olympics on Half Moon Cay, Holland America's very own private island paradise) from games to photo sessions and optional hosted excursions.

Paula will be joined by husband Michael and other members of her family. Come share their enthusiasm for great cuisine, good living and good fun.

Private Events & Highlights

value booklet worth over $450 in savings(maximum 2 per cabin)

Private welcome cocktail party

Photo session-receive an individual photo with Paula

FREE CD with photos of the trip shot by O'Neal Bailey

FREE DVD of the trip shot by Bailey's Photos

Special dinners including a poolside barbecue hosted by Paula Private beach BBQ on Holland America's private island featuring the Deen Family "Olympics", fun, and music

Cooking demo by the ms Nieuw Amsterdam's executive chef, with Paula doing a "critique" in her inimitable style!

Q&A and game session with Paula... Prizes too!

Optional exclusive shore excursions including some hosted by members of the Deen family

Commemorative "Paula Deen" personalized gift

Paula Deen Cruise bag filled with surprises

Private farewell cocktail party

Gratuities, taxes, government fees, and insurance included

Optional pre-cruise welcome party in Ft. Lauderdale

*Check back to this site for details about onshore excursions that are being planned with Paula and members of her family.

Aboard the Stunning New ms Nieuw Amsterdam

Holland America's ms Nieuw Amsterdam is the perfect ship for this culinary adventure. It's spanking new (inaugural voyage - July 2010), bright and spacious, beautifully decorated, and has fabulous entertainment and multiple dining options. The ms Nieuw Amsterdam expands the Holland America Line premium brand with new concepts such as the innovative pan-Asian Tamarind restaurant and Silk Den lounge surrounded by panoramic views overlooking the ocean expanse and the Lido pool. The ship also features the family-style Canaletto's Italian restaurant.

Other additions are an Explorer's Lounge Bar, a premium wine-tasting lounge, an elegant luxury jewelry boutique, new atrium bar area, enhanced and reconfigured The Showroom at Sea, and a new photographic and imaging center. The ship will continue several much-admired Holland America Line features, including outside-view, glass elevators at midship; the Explorations Cafe - a cyber-coffee house powered by The New York Times; the Pinnacle Grill and Pinnacle Bar; the innovative Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine Magazine, where culinary experts provide cooking demonstrations and intimate classes in a state-of-the-art onboard show kitchens; an expanded Greenhouse Spa and Salon with thermal suites and hydro-pool, and the largest gymnasium ever built for Holland America Line.

Angkor Wat Temple Complex, Cambodia

Thursday, July 29, 2010

You’ve seen it in the movies and on television…and you are more than a bit curious…

What is Angkor Wat?

The answer is simple, the destination is not, but well-worth the effort for the curious, intrepid traveler.

Angkor Wat is the famous Hindu temple to the god Vishnu, located a few miles outside of Siem Reap, Cambodia. Siem Reap, once the center of the Khmer empire, is now a rather quiet city which seems to exist for tourists.

After you’ve checked into your comfortable, quiet hotel in Siem Reap you may wish to avail yourself of a soothing message…very welcome after traveling the long hours many miles you’ve come for this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Your hotel will probably have an in-house masseuse, swimming pool and the luxury amenities which will be so surprisingly available in this exotic corner of the world.

The best time to visit the vast temple complex (containing many temples and monuments) is in the morning, before the heat of the day overwhelms you…always carry bottled water with you and purchase it ONLY at your hotel! A knowledgeable guide is preferred, but a good guide book will assist you in making your way around this vast collection of architectural wonders!!! You’ll need a guide to interpret the mural-like carvings, which tell the stories of warriors, gods, goddesses ; victories and slightly risqué encounters.

There are ladders to climb to heights with breathtaking views, cool, shady corroders whose stone walls are covered in magnificently preserved carvings. Walk with care because many areas are being restored There will be touring monks in saffron robes…don’t be surprised if they take your picture and feel free to ask you to pose with you for your camera. Many are mendicants and will politely accept charity, but will not confront or pester or pester you.

The breathtaking site of Ta Prohm will dazzle you!! This is the oft-photographed temple that has been left as it was found when this area was re-discovered. The jungle has invaded and vast trunks and branches inundate the buildings. You will be amazed how nature can reclaim vast areas of man’s endeavor!!

Before you say farewell to Angkor Wat, you must await sunset at Angkor Wat: the golden hues of the magnificent towers glisten in the setting rays and the shadows elongate…the lake provides a mirror reflection of this amazing sight, and you will take a picture (in your camera or in your mind’s eye) that will be a momento of a fantastic adventure.

Spotlight on Ireland

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Green hills and fields surrounded by some of the most spectacular coastline in the world; the landscape of Ireland makes a perfect vacation setting. From the peaceful, relaxing Lakelands district to the excitement of Dublin, you'll discover a charming and friendly country with a fascinating Celtic heritage.

Discover Ireland

Create many memorable moments by enjoying Ireland's renowned attractions. To really know the country, you'll need to experience these Irish favorites.

Kiss the famous Stone of Eloquence at Blarney Castle.
See the windswept Atlantic coast with its dramatic hills, cliffs and blowholes.
Find the many historical landmarks which dot the landscape.
Stay in a traditional, thatched cottage or how about a castle for the night!
Visit the fascinating Waterford Crystal visitors center at Tramore.
Watch the history of Ireland come to life at the many heritage centers.
Enjoy a pint of Guinness at a friendly Irish pub, where music and dance are part of the scene.

Getting Around

Escorted or Independent Tours: See all the highlights on one of the many escorted coach tours offered by our partners. We can also take care of independent tour arrangements for those wanting more flexibility. Browse our Ireland tours.
Rail & Rail Tours: Eco-friendly rail journeys are a great way to see the country. Options include point to point service, half or full-day tours or three to six-day tours including accommodation.
Car: Roads have greatly improved in recent years and more motorways and dual carriageways have been added making driving Ireland a quick and convenient way to travel. The country and coast roads are generally un-crowded making it a pleasure to drive.
Bus: The bus network services the entire country. This is a good option for the budget traveler.
Ferry: The ferry service visits the islands around Ireland including the Aran Islands, the Skelligs and the Blaskets. Coastal ferries are often a good shortcut too. The ferry between Tarbert in Co Kerry and Killimer in Co Clare is a 20-minute journey across the Shannon Estuary which saves you 85 miles of driving while the ferry between Passage East and Ballyhack saves you hours.
Bike: It is possible to rent a bike in almost any town or city in Ireland. Dublin has rental bikes at over 40 locations in the capital! Get out of town on cycling holidays which are a delightful way to see the countryside.

Accommodation

You're in for a treat when you visit Ireland. A unique selection of accommodation awaits and today, luxury and comfort abound; Spa resorts and luxury guestshouses; upscale boutique hotels and traditional Bed & Breakfasts; self-catering cottages for families or groups. You can even stay in a distinguished, historic castle like Dromoland Castle, Castle Leslie and Ashford Castle. Here state-of-the-art facilities meet historic amenities - four-poster beds, book-lined libraries and dungeons converted into bars!

Active Adventures

Cycling, climbing and horse back riding are all popular in Ireland along with these activities:

Walking - From day trips to week long treks, guided walks or on your own, Ireland features towns and villages with great walking accommodation, services and packed lunches to keep you going along the way.
Golf - Ireland's western seaboard has many world-renowned links courses. Inland parkland courses are also well designed in beautiful settings with excellent club houses and accommodation - like Dromoland Castle and Country Estate which has its own Championship golf course. Play and Stay golf packages, Golf Passes for playing multiple courses at reduced rates and golf tours are available. Tee times can be conveniently booked online.
Water Sports - Ireland is the 20th biggest island in the world with a coastline 890 miles long and 584 miles of inland waterways. No wonder there is such a vast selection of water sports: Surfing, sail boarding, wind surfing, kiteboarding, kayaking, diving, snorkelling as well as dolphin and whale watching cruises.

Family Vacations

Family travel in Ireland is easy with family friendly hotels, restaurants and activities found throughout the country.
Check out the events for kids and families at the Dunmore East Adventure Centre and Shielbaggan Outdoor Education Centre.
Splashworld at Tramore is a state of the art, indoor-outdoor water world that's sure to keep families entertained.
Heritage Centers introduce your family to the history and culture of Ireland with engaging exhibits.

Makes you want to start planning, doesn't it? The combination of numerous things to experience in a country of great natural beauty makes Ireland a sure bet for a fabulous vacation.