New tours, new destinations and early bird savings. The internet may have changed the way travellers do their research, but travel brochures are still a popular way of obtaining travel information.
1. Luxurious adventure with APT
APT has unveiled its new Luxury Small Ship 2016 Preview brochure featuring new itineraries aboard MS Caledonian Sky, MS Island Sky and the line’s new ship MS Hebridean Sky.
In 2016 APT is offering guests a choice of two different cruise styles aboard its luxury small ships: Boutique Collection Cruising which will focus on a particular region or a theme; and Expedition Collection Cruising, whereby guests are taken off the beaten track by APT’s ten-strong Expedition Team of expert guides and lecturers, led by an Expedition Leader.
New cruise itineraries featured in the APT Luxury Small 2016 Preview brochure include, for Boutique Collection Cruising the chance to sail between Venice and Istanbul on the 15-Day Aegean & Adriatic Odyssey taking in the coastlines and highlights of Italy, Croatia, Montenegro, Greece and Turkey; or a new 18-Day Sailing the Japanese Isles itinerary which takes in Japan, Taiwan and the Philippines.
Popular Expedition Collection cruises include the 11-Day Kimberley Coast Cruise from Darwin to Broome and the 17-Day Southeast Asia Adventure through the islands of the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia.
APT Chief Marketing Officer Debra Fox believes its small ship cruises between Venice and Istanbul in particular will become as popular as the company’s best-selling Magnificent Europe river cruise between Amsterdam and Budapest:
Other itineraries featured in the new program include Boutique Collection cruises the 17-day La Dolce Vita sailing to Portugal, Spain, Morocco, France, Italy and Malta; the 21-Day Footsteps of the Immortals to Jordan, Egypt, Cyprus, Greek Islands and Turkey; and the 13-Day Majestic Norwegian Fjords including Scotland and Norway.
2. Infinity options for the loved up couples
Look out for Infinity Holidays’ Romantic Escapes brochure, which is set to hit shelves from 3 March this year.
The program offers a variety of options for romantic getaways, including 10 new properties from all over the country.
Among the new properties are Orpheus Island, Wheelhouse Apartments in Tasmania, Eco Beach in Broome & the QT Port Douglas.
The brochure has its regular Double Page spreads –with big and beautiful images. Plus there are brief descriptions, ‘Travel Tips’ and other essential info.
3. Scenic escape across the Tasman
Scenic Tours has released its 2015/2016 program, which sees the new introduction of a number of new experiences plus a new tour – 23 day New Zealand Splendour and cruise.
Travelling both North and South islands, the 14-night cruise from Sydney to Auckland and eight-night land tour.
The cruise, priced at $8,295, departs from Sydney Harbour and sails south to Melbourne and Hobart before crossing the Tasman Sea to New Zealand’s Milford Sound and World Heritage listed Fiordland National Park.
Guests will then have an opportunity to explore the historic towns of Dunedin and Christchurch and in the North Island will discover Wellington’s gourmet food and wine, the art deco architecture of Napier and the rich Maori history of Tauranga and Auckland.
4. Relaxation and spas in Shanghai
Helen Wong is spreading the word: you don’t have to be a golfer to enjoy a day at a Chinese golf resort.
As part of her new Surprising Shanghai program for 2015-2016, Helen Wong has created a four-day Golf and Spa itinerary, which includes pampering at a luxury day spa, relaxing and some golfing.
Priced from $970 per person, twin share, the itinerary also offers plenty of leisure time to explore Shanghai’s shops, bars, restaurants and attractions.
Package includes accommodation with daily breakfast and transfers to and from the hotel and private transfers where specified.
In addition, Helen Wong’s Tours has a five-day Shanghai Sensation package which, from $1,030 per person, twin share, includes accommodation with daily breakfast, two half-day guided tours (one to the historic water town Zhujiajiao with lunch), transfers to and from the hotel, and private transfers where specified.
5. Soft adventure around Europe
Adventure World has released its 2015 Headwater brochure featuring 38 itineraries covering France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Austria, Switzerland and Croatia.
New for 2015 are e-bike options in regions including Spain’s Costa Verde, Austrian Lakes, Dordogne, Lake Constance, Sicily and more.
This allows travellers the option of switching between electricity or pedal powered rides.
Also new this year, Headwater unlocks Portugal’s fascinating Beira region with the introduction of the seven-night Undiscovered Central Portugal.
Taking in mountain lagoons, glacial valleys and bird-rich nature reserves this itinerary spends three nights in a charming guesthouse within the walls of Castelo Rodrigo and four nights at the luxury Penhas Douradas mountain retreat and spa.
Designed to immerse travellers in all aspects of the region they are visiting, each itinerary in the 2015 Headwater brochure includes cultural highlights, stunning scenery, villages only accessible by bike or foot and incredible food and wine.
