The internet may have changed the way travellers do their research, but travel brochures are still a popular way of obtaining travel information. Here’s what new this week.
1. Contiki’s AU/NZ brochure
Contiki has unveiled its 2015-16 Australia and New Zealand programme packed with exclusive inclusions, local experiences, unique ‘Special Stays’ and more choice than ever before.
New to Contiki’s 2015-16 New Zealand brochure is the seven-day ‘Fire n Ice’trip taking in the rolling volcanoes of Auckland to the contrasting skiing hotspot of Queenstown in New Zealand’s North and South Islands.
Travellers will visit these two awesome cities revelling in inclusions like a thrilling Shotover Jet boat ride, living the high life on one of the world’s most scenic plane trips, and experiencing New Zealand like a true local with loads of free time and optionals to choose from.
To kick off the new programme, Contiki is giving travellers $50 off their 14-day Australian trip ‘Beaches & Reefs’ and nine-day New Zealand trip ‘Sweet As’South’ trips when booked together.
In addition, travellers can enjoy early payment discounts of up to 10 percent when they book and pay in full by 30 May 2015.
2. Ancient rituals and food in Borneo
The ‘Best of Borneo’ has been packed into one brochure to offer travellers a range of value-for-money holidays packages targeting family, adventure and ecotourism travellers.
The brochure contains 36 holiday packages, which were developed in cooperation with 18 tour operators in Sabah.
Among the itineraries is a Food Trail package showcasing Malaysia’s rightly celebrated cuisine; and a tour that invites guests to learn about the beliefs, ancient rites and spiritual realm of Sabah’s indigenous peoples.
All holiday packages are valid until 31 December 2015.
3. Crocs, pizzas and wetlands with AAT Kings
Travel with Aussie Adventures and the crocs are harmless…we mean armless.
A possible sighting of a jumping female croc missing limbs from the mating season is just one of the ultimate Aussie experiences AAT Kings is bringing back with the release of its 2015-16 Aussie Adventures Top End and 2015-16 Aussie Adventures Sydney brochures.
The 2015-16 Aussie Adventures Top End brochure includes seven exciting small-group adventures in the Northern Territory ranging from half-day to four-days.
Among them is a half-day Jumping Crocs & Nature Adventure, which takes guests on the ruggedly beautiful Adelaide River; and for those with more time on their hands, the four-day Ultimate Top End Escape brings together the best of the Northern Territory with highlights including a cruise on the Mary River Wetlands, a dip at the stunning Gunlom Falls and canoeing on Katherine Gorge.
The 2015-16 Aussie Adventures Sydney brochure includes seven half-day and full-day quintessential experiences in and around Sydney.
The full-day Hunter Valley Adventure is a wining and dining extravaganza with intimate tastings at three boutique wineries. Guests will bond over wood fire-pizzas at lunch and spend the afternoon strolling through the Hunter Valley Village, enjoying the delights on offer in the famous chocolate shop.
4. Culinary adventures in the Med
Cultural tour specialist Peter Sommer Travels will combine superb food and wine with fascinating history and culture this year during a series of dedicated culinary expeditions in the Mediterranean.
Three upcoming departures will focus on the superb local produce, fresh seafood and proud culinary traditions of Turkey and Sicily, while at the same time offering an insight into the rich history of these ancient lands.
Each tour offers a chance to taste traditional foods and fresh local ingredients in a hands-on style, from foraging for wild herbs to cooking at a family home.
Catering to small groups of 6-14 people, the tours are hosted by expert guides with academic backgrounds in history and archaeology, not to mention a passion for the local cuisine.
Two different itineraries are available with a choice of three departures.
Among them is the Gastronomic Gulet Cruise – an eight-day sailing journey along Turkey’s Carian coast, traveling aboard a magnificent wooden gulet to ancient sites including the magnificent ruins at Knidos and Kaunos.
It offers a chance to get involved in the culinary traditions of this flavourful destination. Guests will see demonstrations in small traditional restaurants, cook with local people, prepare regional delicacies and conjure up some of the excellent Turkish dishes to eat. Departures are 23 May and 26 September.
5. Infinity’s Great Southern Rail Journey
The Great Southern Rail brochure is at the printers and is scheduled to hit your shelves on 3 April.
This year, the brochure has received some new items including a new four-day Ghan Expedition on offer (page four) which takes guests through the heart of Australia on the ultimate Outback adventure.
Up in Platinum Service, guests will also have exclusive access to their own Platinum Lounge and Restaurant (page seven).
And on pages eight and nine there are Off Train Excursions that will really make your trip memorable as you explore some of Australia’s best destinations.
