Travel Bulletin 8th October 2021

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Giving agents the edge

October 08 2021 | ISSUE NO 4,183 | travelbulletin.co.uk

YORKSHIRE BALL

BULLETIN BRIEFING

MALTA & GOZO

MIDDLE EAST

Catch up on all the fun from the 24th annual Yorkshire Travel Ball!

Ahead of LATA Expo 2021, LATA chairman, Colin Stewart, talks exclusively to Travel Bulletin.

Make the most out of this Mediterranean gem with our picks.

Plan your clients’ next desert adventure or city escape to this diverse region.

ADVENTURE & ACTIVITY

Cover pic: Adobe Stock

Feel the adrenaline!

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NEWS BULLETIN

OCTOBER 8 2021 | travelbulletin.co.uk

THIS WEEK 04 NEWS

FOR THE THRILL OF IT AllClear Travel Insurance has found that half of over 50s dream of extreme holidays after months of lockdown.

All the latest news from the travel industry.

06 AGENT INSIGHT Mark & Isobel McCardie, Not Just Travel, talk about growing excitement for U.S. holidays.

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Many over 50s are looking to take holidays that will push them out of their comfort zone.

ADVENTURE & ACTIVITY Venture into the wild with &Beyond’s new conservationfocused trips, and more!

14 MIDDLE EAST From cruising the Red Sea to luxury hotel stays in Dubai: the ultimate winter sun getaways.

17 MALTA & GOZO Discover the rich heritage of the Islands of the Knights with our picks.

NEW RESEARCH from AllClear Travel Insurance finds that after months of confusion on where we can and cannot travel to, over half (52%) of people aged 50 and over are considering an extreme holiday that will push them outside of their comfort zone while they still have time to do so.

At a time when British travel restrictions have finally become clearer, AllClear Travel Insurance asked a nationally representative sample of 2,016 British holidaymakers what type of holiday they would now consider.

Just over one-in-eight people (12%) over the age of 50 said they would love to kickstart their adrenaline by

considering an extreme sport up in the air – 8% said they could now see themselves skydiving on their next holiday, whilst 6% wanted to try hang gliding and a further 2% said they would give bungee jumping a go.

AllClear asked respondents how much they had planned to spend on a holiday of a lifetime - the over 50s said they would allocate a total of £3,219 per person in order to make the most out of their next trip.

Asking about their travel insurance, the research found the average over-50 traveller was prepared to spend an additional £133 per person above what they normally spent each year to

ensure peace of mind while on their adventurous holiday of a lifetime.

CEO of AllClear Travel Insurance, Chris Rolland, commented: “After the summer travel restrictions meant that countless holiday plans had to been put on hold – it is clear consumers are now seriously considering their holiday of a lifetime. After missing out on many milestone getaways, birthdays, anniversaries and weddings, it seems that travellers now want to go big. Too right that life begins at 50, and all the more so having been kept at home for the last couple of summers. Just remember to have the right travel insurance before you go.”

20 AUSTRALASIA Start planning for your clients’ epic trip to the land Down Under.

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NEWS BULLETIN

OCTOBER 8 2021 | travelbulletin.co.uk

See the ‘Treasures of the Red Sea’ with CroisiEurope CROISIEUROPE HAS announced details of its new ‘Treasures of the Red Sea’ itinerary, operating between November 2021 and March 2022, aboard the 197-guest La Belle de l’Adriatique.

The eight-day, round-trip cruise sails from Hurghada, Egypt, and features ports of call in Aqaba (for Wadi Rum and Petra) and Sharm El Sheikh.

Cruise-only prices start from £1,401 per person for departures on November 20 and 27, 2021, including a £212 discount per double cabin. The price includes the cruise with all meals and drinks, two excursions (a full day in Luxor and the Valley of the Kings as well as the excursion to Ras Mohammad National Park),

in Cairo, the oldest archaeological museum in the Middle East.

Prices for this three-day programme start from £855 per person for two nights in a five-star hotel in Cairo, with breakfast and dinner, all excursions and the flight from Cairo to Hurghada to join the cruise.

BAHIA PRINCIPE Hotels & Resorts has resumed the operations of all its establishments in Tenerife.

The company reopened the doors of Bahia Principe Sunlight Tenerife on October 1, and will reopen the Bahia Principe Sunlight San Felipe on November 1.

The reopenings continue Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts’ plan to gradually reopen properties across all operating destinations worldwide.

The group now has a total of 14 hotels open – five in the Dominican Republic, four in Spain, three in Mexico and two in Jamaica.

www.croisieurope.co.uk

www.bahia-principe.com

The cruise programme features a visit to the historic Petra in Jordan.

onboard entertainment, port fees and repatriation insurance.

Guests have the option to extend their voyages with a three-day pre-cruise programme in Cairo, allowing them to discover the Pyramids of Cheops, Chephren and Menkaure, on the Giza plateau. The threeday extension also includes a visit to the Egyptian Museum

Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts reopen in Tenerife

Inspiretec creates new role for agents INSPIRETEC HAS created a new role aimed at providing dedicated onboarding assistance for travel agents who sign up to its CRM product or are undertaking a trial.

Steve Gummer, who has been with Inspiretec for over 10 years, moves into the newly-created position, ‘Customer Success Executive’, armed with extensive experience and understanding of working in the retail travel sector.

The travel technology company has created the role following feedback from both agents and operators. Whilst signing up to CRM is a simple process, Steve’s role will be to provide a dedicated point of contact and utilise his knowledge of the sector to provide agents with pointers, advice and direction on how new customers can maximise the potential that the CRM product offers.

Rebecca James, director of Customer Success for CRM at Inspiretec, comments: “Installing CRM is seen as easy, but some of our customers were telling us that they needed a little more guidance, especially those smaller agents and operators who have little tech support in-house. Steve’s retail background means he has a 360 view of the process, and his new role ensures we go that extra mile to bridge this gap and ensure everyone is able to get the most out of our CRM.” In addition, Steve will also be responsible for providing free of charge, no obligation ‘Surgery With Steve’ sessions to any agent or operator that wants tailored advice and guidance on how CRM might work for them. He aims to give easy-to-follow advice on how the CRM is integrated.

James adds: “Most travel companies understand how CRM can transform their shop or business, giving them the power to automate tasks, thus freeing up manpower and providing knowledge about their customers buying habits.” www.inspiretec.com

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NEWS BULLETIN

OCTOBER 8 2021 | travelbulletin.co.uk

Cruising Excursions expands UK collection

Riviera Travel puts 2023 New Zealand tour on sale

Image Credits: Adobe Stock Recently introduced is ‘The Beatles Walking Tour and Liverpool City’.

Liverpool’, a two-hour walking tour priced at £19 per person, and ‘The Beatles Walking Tour and Liverpool City’, also priced at £19 per person, departing from the cruise pier and ticking off the city sights with a connection to the ‘Fab Four’, the city’s most famous export.

In Belfast, the company will offer an eight-hour

RIVIERA TRAVEL has launched its ‘New Zealand: Land of the Long White Cloud’ tour for 2023.

11 dates are available from January to November, including three exclusively for solo travellers.

Guests will travel across the country on the 22-day itinerary, taking in some of New Zealand’s scenery and experiences.

‘Essential Collection’ coach tour to the World Heritage site of Giant’s Causeway, with time in Ballycastle, for £55 per person.

Cruising Excursions tours are pre-bookable, with a price match guarantee and free cancellation up to 14 days prior to sailing.

Prices start at £4,799, including return flights and transfers, accommodation, all breakfasts and other select meals.

www.cruisingexcursions.com

www.rivieratravel.co.uk

Image Credit: Adobe Stock

CRUISING EXCURSIONS has announced a range of domestic itineraries for 2022 and 2023.

The company has increased the number of UK excursions offered to match popular ports of call.

Cruise lines scheduled to cruise UK waters in 2022 and 2023 include Cunard, Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises, Viking, Virgin Voyages and more, many of which will call at Southampton, Liverpool, Belfast, Greenock, Invergordon, Edinburgh, Newcastle, and the Channel Islands.

The company has introduced new tours, including two ‘Essential Collection’ excursions in Liverpool: ‘Discover the Heritage and History of

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NEWS BULLETIN

AGENT

OCTOBER 8 2021 | travelbulletin.co.uk

INSIGHT

MARK & ISOBEL MCCARDIE NOT JUST TRAVEL WITH THE good news that the USA is opening up to double vaccinated visitors from the UK in November, we have seen a huge surge in interest and bookings (huge collective exhale).

This welcome news has also meant that customers who were already booked to visit the States over Christmas, and had balance payments looming, have paid!

People can start to get excited about their holidays and book with confidence once again.

As we write this, we are both on holiday in Palma, Mallorca- partly a fact-finding mission to see what the holiday experience is like first-hand with the testing requirements and airport experience, and to get some autumn sun for the first time in two years.

So far, the sun element has had to wait, as the announcements have really taken the handbrake off and our planned quiet break has turned into one of our busiest weeks of the year as everyone is looking to book their America adventure.

We had a steady stream of bookings before the announcement, but now it’s like someone has turned a tap on! It’s great, because we love the U.S., especially Florida and the parks, and we have our very own Florida guru, Stewart, whose knowledge and first-hand experience is brilliant when talking to first-time Florida customers. He really paints the picture and gets them excited about their trip.

Our Palma trip experience from check-in to arrival at the hotel was excellent; the process has been seamless and feels very safe. We flew with Jet2, who were very professional and helpful as always.

When we landed, we disembarked in row order, so no clambering for bags. The hotels and restaurants in Palma are at around 50% capacity, which is really nice as there are no queues and plenty of open space and outside dining.

There are some amazing last minute offers to be had; this break cost less than a week’s self-catering in the Isle of Wight. It’s been a welcome return to get back in the saddle and do what we all love doing.

SCENIC ECLIPSE will be one of the first cruises to return to the seas of the Antarctic when it resumes its expedition voyages on January 6, 2022. To celebrate its return, Scenic is offering a complimentary oneway Business Class flight with British Airways on selected Antarctic voyages from January to March 2022. New bookings will also benefit from savings. www.scenic.co.uk

Newmarket Holidays launches new campaign NEWMARKET HOLIDAYS has launched a new offer, giving customers and agents the chance to get up to 10% off European and Worldwide tours departing in 2022.

Coinciding with the end of furlough and simplification of travel and testing rules, Newmarket Holidays reports that they have launched this offer to help agents capitalise on growing consumer confidence.

The 10% saving applies to holidays and tours departing between January 1 and June 30, 2022, with a 5% saving available on holidays departing July 1 to December 31, 2022.

Head of trade sales, Richard Forde, said: “With consumer confidence returning, we feel now is the perfect time to launch this strong offer, which should help agents capitalise on demand and close sales with substantial discounts for 2022.

There are so many customers out there who have had their plans on hold for more than 18 months now – many of them are feeling confident to commit to 2022 plans, but they still want to ensure they are getting value for money.” www.newmarketholidays.co.uk

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OCTOBER 8 2021 | travelbulletin.co.uk

AGENT BULLETIN

AGENT INCENTIVES

SIX ADDITIONAL agents won places aboard Omega Breaks’ Northern Lights flights. Seven lucky agents will now experience the once-in-a-lifetime flight between October 2021 and March 2022.

AGENT TRAINING THE DEPARTMENT of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi hopes to make Abu Dhabi specialists out of its UK agent partners with its new training programme, featuring comprehensive modules compatible with desktop and mobile devices. Agents who complete the training course

by February 21, 2022 will be entered into monthly prize draws for £50 Love2shop vouchers or a pair of tickets to watch Manchester City. www.abudhabispecialist.com

CZECHTOURISM HAS unveiled a new training platform geared towards educating trade professionals on the key tourist offerings across the Central European destination.

Six modules span topics including ‘Welcome to the Czech Republic’, ‘Spa and Wellness’, ‘Culture and Gastronomy’, ‘LGBT’, ‘MICE’ and ‘Cities: Gateways to Regions’. www.czechtravelacademy.com

LEARN ALL there is to know about the unspoilt beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel with the destinations’ new online training course, designed for the UK travel trade. Pass the online training course by October 30, 2021 to be entered into a prize draw for a pair of wireless headphones. The training portal includes modules, news, webinars, and a digital marketing toolkit. www.island-findings.com

● MAKE AS many bookings with Europcar as possible by October 20, 2021 for the chance to win a Fortnum & Mason Piccadilly hamper. Five lucky agents who make the most bookings, with a check-out date no later than October 31, 2021, will win the luxurious hamper, which comes packed with indulgent tipples, teas and coffee. To enter, independent agents must email their booking confirmations to europcaruk@discovertheworld.com.

Advantage Travel partners must email theirs to advantage.europcaruk@discovertheworld.com. Any bookings made from September 20, 2021 are valid. www.europcar.co.uk ● AZAMARA IS doubling incentives for all UK agent partners throughout October. Up to £20 per booking is redeemable for the booking agent, which is payable on a pre-paid Mastercard. The doubled incentive applies to all agents, regardless of Club Rewards membership class. Agents can redeem the doubled incentives, as part of Azamara’s existing rewards programme, on all bookings for sailings up to March 31, 2022. www.azamara.co.uk ● LUXURY OPERATOR If Only... has teamed up with British Airways for its latest campaign, ‘Travel Now with British Airways’, which aims to inspire future travel and give clients a holiday to look forward to in 2022 and beyond.

The multi-channel campaign, running throughout September and October 2021, will provide an array of marketing materials to help agents interact and engage with their customer base, including flyers and social media offers. The operator will also provide top offers priced with British Airways flights for destinations currently accessible for UK customers, and future offers for destinations expected to open in 2022. Agents can win a £250 Love2shop voucher by booking as many If Only... breaks with British Airways flights by October 31, 2021. www.ifonly.net

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BULLETIN BRIEFING

OCTOBER 8 2021 | travelbulletin.co.uk

Industry

insight by...

LATA chairman, Colin Stewart, speaks to Travel Bulletin about what agents can expect at next week’s LATA Expo 2021.

WE ARE delighted to be hosting LATA Expo 2021 this year in virtual format, from October 11 to 15.

There is no denying that the travel sector has been hit hard by the pandemic and by now, we had hoped that travel from the UK to Latin America would have resumed.

This year, LATA Expo been designed to stimulate trade within the Latin American travel sector and provide essential insight for attendees.

We know that agents will form an integral part in the travel recovery to the region and for that reason, this year we have included a specific agent section within the LATA Expo show

programme. Agents will not only have access to the daily seminars and content sessions that feature as part of the overall programme but will also have a dedicated training programme that has been designed to grow the knowledge of Latin America amongst the travel trade. At LATA, we want to engage with agents from all over the UK and understand how best to support to be able to increase destination confidence.

This year, the core theme of LATA Expo will be “Ready for Restart” meaning that content sessions and seminars will be tailored around providing

participants with all the information and tools they need to successfully restart operations as international travel slowly begins to resume.

Other content sessions will cover how to adapt to rapidly evolving consumer demands (including feedback from the Travel Bulletin agents), decarbonising travel, animal welfare in travel and the importance of biodiversity in the post-covid world, as well as future gazing sessions which will feature trends, statistics and green shoots.

Despite ongoing travel restrictions impacting the region, we believe there are many attributes that will

tempt back travellers to Latin America in a post-pandemic context.

Finally, I would like to give a mention to our charity, the LATA Foundation. Given the impact of the pandemic, in 2020 we set up a COVID appeal to support those most in need. One of our most successful campaigns was raising money for outof-work porters in Peru who were directly impacted by the lack of tourism. Our efforts supported 92 porters and their families with basic food parcels for one year. We have also helped a number of other grassroots initiatives in Peru and Bolivia. www.lataexpo.travel

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PUZZLE BULLETIN

OCTOBER 8 2021 | travelbulletin.co.uk

SUDOKU

Win a £20 M&S voucher in the Sudoku prize puzzle A Fill in all the squares in the grid so that each row, column and each of the 3 x 3 squares contains the digits 1-9.

Once you have completed the puzzle, simply identify the numbers that relate to the letters, A, B, C and D then e-mail the solution, with your name, company name, and full postal address plus phone and ABTA number if applicable to:

B

competition@travelbulletin.co.uk

C

Closing date for entries is Thursday, October 21. Solution and new puzzle will appear in the next issue.

The winner for September 24 is Roger Wood from Travel-PA

D

September 24 Solution: A=3 B=4 C=5 D=9

?

I M A E WHER

Divided into four zones, this capital city can be found on the Pothohar Plateau and is known for its lush green scenery and temperate climate. Sometimes referred to by its nickname, ‘Isloo’, the city hosts the largest expatriate and foreigner population in the country.

Across

Down

1 6 7

1

8 9 11

12 14 15 16

Hotel brand, part of Accor (7) Polynesian Kingdom (5) City served by Linate, Malpensa and Bergamo airports (5) Slovenian resort town with a lake and castle of the same name (4) Judge on The Great British Bake Off, ___ Leith (4) West End musical about the life of the performer originally called Anna Mae Bullock (4) Resort area known as Venice's seaside (4) Capital of Senegal (5) Kent castle which was the childhood home of Anne Boleyn (5) Scenic Swiss train, The Glacier ___ (7)

The latest 007 movie finally appearing at a cinema near you (2,4,2,3) 2 River which starts in the Cotswolds Hills and empties into the North Sea (6) 3 Capital of Peru (4) 4 Sicily's capital on the shores of the Tyrrhenian Sea (7) 5 Operator offering family holidays in forest locations across the UK (6,5) 8 City on the banks of the Chao Phraya River (7) 10 Liverpudlian comedian John, sounds ecclesiastical (6) 13 One of the Great Lakes (4)

MYSTERY WORD: TUNIS Where am I? - Islamabad, Pakistan SOLUTION; Across: 1 NOVOTEL, 6 TONGA, 7 MILAN, 8 BLED, 9 PRUE, 11 TINA, 12 LIDO, 14 DAKAR, 15 HEVER, 16 EXPRESS. Down: 1 NO TIME TO DIE, 2 THAMES, 3 LIMA, 4 PALERMO, 5 CENTER PARCS, 8 BANGKOK, 10 BISHOP, 13 ERIE.

CROSSWORD

Fill in the crossword to reveal the mystery location highlighted by the green squares.

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Yorkshire Travel Ball THE 2021 Yorkshire Travel Ball, held on September 23, 2021 at the Village Hotel, Leeds, brought together agents and suppliers for a fun-filled evening of food, drink, and dancing. Some lucky guests won prizes donated by the event’s sponsors, Jet2holidays and Classic Collection. Looking ahead to 2022, the 24th Yorkshire Travel Ball will take place on July 21.

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Image Credit: Adobe Stock

ADVENTURE & ACTIVITY

Embrace an autumn adventure with Byway

FORCE OF NATURE &BEYOND IS continuing to celebrate its 30th anniversary by releasing a fresh batch of limited edition itineraries, highlighting the preservation of wildlife and the environment. &Beyond has designed exclusive itineraries that range from opportunities to learn about tiger conservation in India to discovering the origins of Botswana’s famed Okavango Delta.

Tiger Safari On this itinerary, travellers will explore three of India’s most thriving national parks, from the famous tiger sanctuary of Ranthambore to Kanha, one of India’s largest conservation areas, and the diverse Kaziranga National Park. The itinerary has two departure dates, December 1, 2022 and January 12, 2023, with a maximum of eight guests on each.

Image Credit: Adobe Stock

&Beyond is introducing new conservation-focused itineraries, with chances aplenty for wildlife sightings and on foot exploration of some stunning locales.

A total of 71 tigers live at Ranthambore National Park.

Prices begin from approximately £7,285 per person, and includes a donation towards conservation projects in India.

Care of Botswana’s Okavango Delta From wildlife conservation to the preservation of one of the world’s key watershed areas, the ‘Care of Botswana’s Okavango Delta, its Wildlife and People’ adventure examines the miracle of water in the desert.

Accompanied throughout by one of &Beyond’s Regional Guide Trainers, travellers will

FOR THOSE not wanting to venture too far from home, Byway is offering guests an adventurous autumn with its new collection of staycations.

Adventures in Snowdonia On this trip, guests will kayak across mirror lakes surrounded by purple heather, join in Snowdonia's Hiking Festival or scramble up sparkling waterfalls of autumn rains. The seven day trip is priced from £584.

go off-the-beaten-path at a rustic semi-permanent camp and get to know the animals of the Chobe by road and river. This itinerary is run for a maximum of four guests and has three set departure dates in June, July and September 2022. The eightnight experience starts from approximately £14,568 per person (depending on season) and includes a donation to the Africa Foundation, &Beyond’s community development partner of choice.

Surfing in Cornwall The autumnal weather brings higher winds and bigger waves, meaning great surf on the Cornish Coast. Stay in Padstow and Sennen for easy access to two of the best surfing beaches in the UK. This six-day surf starts from £512.

www.andbeyond.com

www.byway.travel

Whale watching in Yorkshire Catch the tail end of the whale season without the crowds. Minke and humpback whales can be spotted off the Whitby coast throughout October, and the area is also home to dolphins and seals.

Four days is priced from £294.

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Were you caught on camera at our Adventure & Activity Showcases?

Headline Sponsor

ADVENTUROUS AGENTS from York and Chester joined us for our Adventure & Activity Showcases.

Headline sponsor Italian National Tourist Board, was joined by Saudi Tourism Authority, Visit Andorra, Scenic Cruises, Visit Malta and Tourism Nova Scotia. Prize winners went home with a Saudi hamper, Scenic River Rewards points and more!

Check our Facebook to see more photos.

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ADVENTURE & ACTIVITY

OCTOBER 8 2021 | travelbulletin.co.uk

WALK ON THE WILD SIDE

Image Credit: Wilderness Safaris

Wilderness Safaris and White Desert have teamed up for oneof-a-kind Africa and Antarctica packages, spotlighting the very best of expansive savannahs and extensive snowscapes.

Legendary Landscapes: Antarctica and Botswana This 15-day journey explores the highlights of South Africa, including Wolf’s Fang Camp and Cape Town. From Cape Town, a flight brings the tour to Atka Bay to witness the birth of Emperor penguins. A private jet flight to Botswana’s Okavango Delta and Linyanti Wildlife Reserve starts the tour’s final leg.

Audley goes alpine adventuring in France and Switzerland AUDLEY TRAVEL’S ‘Alpine Lakes & Mountains self-drive’ option blends thrilling adventure ( under expert guidance) with the freedom of a self-drive holiday.

After a flight to Geneva, a scenic drive to Annecy, a picturesque lakeside town, awaits.

A two-day stay in this traditional town includes a walking tour and cheese tasting before a venture into the hills of Le Semnoz for a guided hike, ending with views of Lac d’Annecy and Mont Blanc.

Onwards to Chamonix, the alpine adventure truly begins. A guide brings the tour to Aiguille du Midi, where they will learn the history of alpine adventuring, with close-up views of Mont Blanc. A cog train then showcases the Mer de Glace, an ancient glacier and ice cavern.

This option, departing on November 22, 2021, starts from approximately £50,685 per person.

Image Credit: Audley Travel

WITH PLENTY of guests looking for once-in-alifetime, bucket list experiences, Wilderness Safaris and White Desert have collaborated for two unique itineraries to fulfill the spirit of adventure.

Wild Desert Adventure: Antarctica and Namibia This 19-day journey offers two of the most remote luxury experiences in the world – from the Earth’s southernmost point, visited by fewer than 800 people annually, to the farflung deserts and expansive wildlife reserves of Namibia.

This option starts from approximately £71,925 per person, departing on December 27. 2021.

The trip draws to a close on the shores of Lake Geneva, in Montreux, for a scenic lake cruise or local wine tasting.

With flights, bed-and-breakfast accommodation and car hire included, this itinerary starts from £2,710 per person.

www.wildernesssafaris.com

www.audleytravel.com

Image Credit: TRIPS by Culture Trip

Tread new ground in North Wales CULTURE TRIP has launched a line of immersive, small-group adventures to extraordinary destinations – ‘TRIPS by Culture Trip’.

The range includes ‘Find Your Wild Side in North Wales’, an actionpacked break with Snowdonian hillside hikes, a descent into a disused slate mind, foraging for a wild feast and a night under the stars in a remote cabin.

The five-day break starts from £1,189 per person, with departure dates in April, July and September 2022. www.theculturetrip.com

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Image Credit: Adobe Stock

MIDDLE EAST

MSC Cruises has extended its Red Sea sailings into winter, running seven-night cruises from the ancient port city of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

ABU DHABI has expanded its ecotourism offerings with the recent announcement that protected marine sites across the emirate have now been made accessible to the public.

The newly unveiled areas will give visitors a host of new options for exploring the emirate’s coastline and waterways, with the initiative also supporting the local maritime industry.

A new marine reserve map of the capital and its waters, which outlines the new areas open to the public, is the latest addition to the emirate’s growing portfolio of tourism offerings.

Abu Dhabi has additional projects in the pipeline for the marine sector and will soon be launching Yas Bay on Yas Island, the emirate’s premier entertainment district. The new bay will feature new yacht berths, surrounded by a number of world-class hotels and entertainment activities, including the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

MSC CRUISES has announced that MSC Bellissima will extend her deployment in Saudi Arabia and the Red Sea for the winter 2021/2022 season.

This itinerary for winter 21/22 is the first of its kind, offering international guests unique opportunities to discover Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Jordan by cruise ship – visiting culturally-rich destinations and unspoiled beaches, giving guests the chance to immerse themselves in the incredible history and tradition of the region.

From October 30, 2021, MSC Bellissima will offer seven-night cruises from Jeddah, calling at the ports of Ras Al Abyad, Aqaba for Petra in Jordan, Safaga for Luxor in Egypt and then Al Wajh and Yanbu, Saudi Arabia.

A highlight of the itinerary

Image Credit: Adobe Stock

ARABIAN NIGHTS

Ahoy there: Abu Dhabi to open marine protected sites

Luxor in Egypt, featured on the cruise, comprises of tombs and temples.

comes on the last day of the cruise, with a visit to Yanbu, Saudi Arabia. The ancient town, located within walkingdistance from the port, dates back 2,500 years, and offers one of the oldest souks, where traders came to sell their goods. The city is known as “the diving capital of Saudi Arabia”, and has become an increasingly attractive tourist destination,

due to its white sandy shores and lively coral reefs, offering opportunities for snorkelling and a host of other water activities in the pristine Saudi Red Sea. The ‘Saudi Arabia & Red Sea’ cruise is priced from £2,818 per person, based on a December 4, 2021 departure date. www.msccruises.co.uk

For more information about the latest marine reserves, visit https://bit.ly/2Y4yvgj

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MIDDLE EAST

OCTOBER 8 2021 | travelbulletin.co.uk

ANCIENT ADVENTURE G Adventures’ ‘Egypt and Jordan Adventure’ trip blends heritage and antiquity through exploration of Egypt and Jordan.

Inside Burj Al Arab with Jumeirah Group FOR THE first time since opening as one of Dubai’s iconic landmarks, Jumeirah Group will bring guests into the luxurious interior of the Burj Al Arab.

A 90-minute tour will showcase the hotel’s most exquisite offerings, while the group hears about the hotel’s innovative history and what makes it one of Dubai’s key architectural mainstays.

Jose Silva, CEO of Jumeirah Group, explained: “Inside Burj Al Arab... will showcase the incredible calibre of its luxury hospitality. We invite visitors to step inside the ‘original home of luxury’ – a unique opportunity to explore Arabian opulence at its finest.”

A flight and connection brings guests to Amman, Jordan, with an afternoon of exploration upon arrival.

Day nine features a visit to the Roman town of Jerash and a dip in the Dead Sea. After a visit to the Madaba mosaics and Mount Nebo, the tour continues on to Wadi Musa for the evening, spending day 11 in Petra. It’s adventure galore on day 12, with a 4x4 excursion in Wadi Rum followed by wild camping at a Bedouin desert camp.

On day 13, the journey continues to the Red Sea for a relaxing pause, before heading back to Amman for lunch at a community cafe on day 14 and returning home on day 15.

This 15-day touring option starts from £1,899 per person, based on a January 7, 2022 departure, including transfers, accommodation, selected meals and the services of a G Adventures’ chief experience officer.

The tour includes a visit to the famous atrium and indulgent Royal Suite, as well as a curated Experience Suite with digital interactives that allow visitors to relive history, showcasing the original architectural designs and ideas of the hotel.

Special introductory rates will be available when the tour goes on sale in the coming months.

www.gadventures.com

www.insideburjalarab.com

Image Credit: Jumeirah Group

ANCIENT HIGHLIGHTS and adventurous excursions await on G Adventures' 'Egypt & Jordan Adventure' itinerary.

Upon arrival in Cairo, guests have a chance to acclimatise to the ancient capital and meet the tour group and chief experience officer.

The adventure begins with a guided tour of the Egyptian Museum and Pyramids of Giza on day two, with an overnight transfer to Aswan.

Travellers will explore the Aswan markets, Philae Temple or a nearby Nubian village for dinner with a local family on day three. After a leisurely day in Aswan, a traditional felucca brings the tour to Kom Ombo for a night under the stars.

A guided visit to Kom Ombo Temple precedes a drive to Luxor, calling at the Temple of Karnak en route. Upon arrival in Luxor on day seven, the tour visits the Valley of the Kings, Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi o Memnon, and includes lunch with a local family of the Nile's West Bank.

Image Credit: Emirates

Emirates looks ahead to Expo 2020 with 20% off AS THE official airline and premier partner of Expo 2020 Dubai, Emirates has launched a new global campaign to promote the destination and Expo this winter.

Emirates’ ‘Early Bird Expo 2020 Dubai’ deal will offer 20% off on fares booked before October 12, 2021, along with a free Emirates Expo Day pass with every booking with travel during the Expo.

The 20% fare discount is valid across all travel dates up to March 31, 2022. www.emirates.com

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MIDDLE EAST

OCTOBER 8 2021 | travelbulletin.co.uk

EXPLORE SAUDI

Accor and Edamah introduce Mantis Bahrain Hawar Island

Image Credit: Adobe Stock

Specialist adventure tour operator Explore is all set to launch trips to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia- the home of desert adventures, bustling souks, and much more.

THE NEW 12-night ‘Explore the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’ tour is the latest addition to Explore’s extensive programme.

The trip starts in Riyadh, Saudi's capital. From here, the trip will head to Jebel Fihrayn, known as the 'Edge of the World', by four-wheel-drive to watch the sun set over the desert.

Travellers will discover the bustling camel market at Buraidah; the ancient Nabatean city of Hegra (Mada-in Saleh), second only in size to Petra; and the mountainous region of Al Bahah, with its lush valleys, hidden villages and hairpin roads.

Further adventure will be found in the twisting alleyways and scented souks of Jeddah's UNESCO-listed old town, the 600year-old marble village of Thee Ain, and the opportunity to stay overnight in a desert camp at Al'Ula. Michael Edwards, managing director at Explore, said: “It's not every day that we're

able to launch a brand new destination, so we're really excited to introduce our new Kingdom of Saudi Arabia tour. Saudi is one of the last great wildernesses to discover, and we know visitors will be blown away by just how much it has to offer. As the birthplace of Islam, it has a rich cultural history, and is jampacked with historic sites, but it's also a country of surprising natural diversity, from vast desert to perhaps less-expected mountain ranges and lush, verdant valleys.”

The 12-night ‘Explore the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’ tour costs from £3,450 per person, and includes accommodation (10 nights in hotels, and two nights camping in fixed tents with ensuite bathrooms), breakfast and some additional meals, all listed excursions and a local Explore tour leader throughout. www.explore.co.uk

A UNIQUE eco-tourism proposition in the region, Mantis Bahrain Hawar Island Hotel & Resort, is set to open in 2024.

The Mantis project will be based on Hawar Island, which is a 45minute boat ride from the Bahrain mainland.

Situated on the west coast of the Hawar Island, visitors will take in the island's biodiversity, which includes sand gazelles, Arabian oryx, multi-coloured coral reefs, and endangered dugongs.

Once open, the hotel and resort will feature 72 keys, along with five dining concepts and extensive sports and leisure facilities, such as an adventure park, a tennis court, a bike track, and a waterpark.

Guests will have the chance to stay in overwater villas offering direct access to the sea.

Image Credit: Mantis Bahrain

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The property will also feature the beach resort, which will encompass luxury accommodation units coupled with chill out zones, bars and coffee stations, meditation spaces, and other social areas for adventure and sports enthusiasts. www.mantiscollection.com

Image Credit: Saudia

Saudia relaunches route from Manchester to Jeddah SAUDIA WILL return to Manchester Airport in December for the first time in 21 months, as it relaunches its direct service to Jeddah.

The first flight is set to depart on December 15 from the recently reopened Terminal Two, which has been expanded and modernised as part of a £1 billion transformation programme. The service will run three times per week on the Boeing-787 Dreamliner, with the frequency of flights then subject to review, dependent on demand.

Saudi Arabian flag carrier Saudia first began operating the Manchester to Jeddah route in 2014. www.saudia.com

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MALTA & GOZO

IDYLLIC INIALA

Explore like a local with ‘A Taste of Malta’ tour

The Iniala Harbour House & Residences opened its doors for the first time in April 2021, offering tranquil luxury in the island nation's capital.

Essensi Spa. The spa blends traditional and modern wellness techniques, with single and double treatment rooms, a steam room, saunas, relaxation area and indulgent heated pool.

Rooms at the Iniala Harbour House & Residences start from approximately £302 per night, depending on season and number of nights. www.inialamalta.com

www.toursbylocals.com

Image Credit: Iniala Harbour House & Residences

OPENING ITS doors after much anticipation, Iniala Harbour House & Residences is Valletta's newest fashionable accommodation option.

The hotel, sitting on Malta’s north-eastern tip in St Barbara Bastion, overlooks the Grand Harbour.

Iniala Harbour House & Residences occupies two traditional Maltese townhouses and its ancient vaults, which date back to the 17th century.

Guests have a choice of 23 unique rooms and suites.

Varying in category and features, rooms are divided into three categories: ‘The House’, the palatial heart of the hotel; ‘The Residencies’, offering four of the most luxurious suites onproperty; and ‘The Hideaway’. The latter category is situated a few doors down from the main

TOURSBYLOCALS SHOWCASES the hidden spots that only locals know with 'A Taste of Malta: Private Food and Wine Tour'.

The tour spans Malta's known history, which dates back to 5000 BC, and the diverse gastronomic scene that has grown through the island's Roman, Arab and Greek occupation.

Local guide Victoria will whisk guests on a journey throughout time and taste as they experience must-visit spots.

Beginning at a local winery and vineyard, guests sample some of Malta's most popular grape exports, and celebrate the ancient traditions involved in winemaking.

They'll then visit a local beehive to try the famous Maltese honey, with a local's insight into just how the sweet substance became Malta's liquid gold.

ToursByLocals offers the five-hour 'A Taste of Malta: Private Food and Wine Tour' from £267 for up to four guests. The tour includes a guide and private transport, with costs including food and personal expenses.

The hotel sits within Valetta’s city walls.

hotel, offering a bespoke guesthouse setting with two rooms and two suites.

The hotel's on-site restaurant, ION – The Harbour, earned its first Michelin star within six months of opening, and blends local cuisine with an indulgent palette of flavours.

As of last month, those staying at Iniala Harbour House & Residences are also granted access the hotel's

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MALTA & GOZO

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OCTOBER 8 2021 | travelbulletin.co.uk

READY, SET, GOZO

Image Credit: Adobe Stock

A self-guided stroll through Gozo with Exodus Travels.

EXODUS TRAVELS’ self-guided stroll through Gozo spotlights the best views and authentic locales of the 'Calypso Isle'.

With a rugged landscape and spectacular coastline, Gozo will be a treat for visitors as they travel through the island's charming architecture, gardens and churches.

Gozo is thought to be the legendary 'Calypso's Isle' of Homer's Odyssey – a peaceful yet mystical backwater. From the tour's base at one of the island’s top hotels, Exodus' self-guided walk will unveil the island's charm.

The island's temperate, year-round climate makes for an ideal backdrop to exploring the unspoilt Mediterranean

island by foot, taking to coastal paths and rocky terrain to visit traditional fishing villages and take in expansive landscapes and breathtaking views.

Arriving at the five-star hotel base in Sannat, guests visit the island's port in Mgarr, calling at the narrow creek of Mgarr ix-Xini, travelling west towards Ta'Pinu and Gharb on day three.

Onward with a hike to Xlendi Bay, guests tick off some of the island's best views on day four before a day at leisure in Victoria or Ramla Beach on day five.

Day six includes a visit to the Punic burial site and the Inland Sea, travelling onto Qala, Nadur, Dahlet Qarror Harbour and the hidden beach

of San Blas Bay. This tour's base is the five-star Hotel Ta'Cenc, home to 400 acres of lush gardens, with two swimming pools, a Jacuzzi, private rocky cove and sports facilities.

Exodus Travels’ eight-day 'Selfguided trip Walking on Gozo Calypso’s Isle' break is priced from £1,299 per person. The package includes flights, accommodation, buffet breakfasts, seven dinners, airport transfers, maps and route notes.

Multiple departure dates are available, including every Saturday from September 25, 2021. www.exodus.co.uk

Image Credit: Adobe Stock

Air Malta to resume flights to London Gatwick from 2021 AIR MALTA has announced that it has brought forward its resumption of flights between Malta and London Gatwick to December 2021.

The airline was initially planning to resume operations in summer 2022, but moved the date forward due to strong signs of recovery.

Air Malta’s services to Gatwick will start from December 11 and will initially be served with three weekly flights every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. www.airmalta.com

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MALTA & GOZO

OCTOBER 8 2021 | travelbulletin.co.uk

GET MORE OUT OF MALTA

db San Antonio Resort & Spa Offering magnificent views of St Paul’s Bay, this resort is located at the heart of Malta’s popular tourist destination, Qawra.

While staying at the resort, guests can enjoy a dip in the adults-only infinity pool, or enjoy a cocktail at the Taza Sky Bar. Family facilities are also available on-property, including a splash and pirate pool and kids’ and teens’ clubs.

Seven nights on a half-board basis at the db San Antonio Resort & Spa start from £439 per person, including flights from Manchester, departing on December 12, 2021.

BELLEAIR HOLIDAYS' new packages to Quaint Boutique Hotels in Malta and Gozo are the ideal choice for those wanting to live the local lifestyle.

Sure to get guests recharged and rebalanced, Quaint Boutique Hotels' various Malta properties are set in the heart of authentic Maltese and Gozitan villages, including Nadur, Xewkija, Sannat, Rabat and Ghasri.

All properties offer outdoor excursions, yoga sessions and spaces, as well as a host of walking itineraries.

One example of a getaway is a stay at the Quaint Boutique Hotel Xewkija, which is set in the heart of the village square, with culture on its doorstep.

Intimate service is afforded across 10 rooms, with categories including Comfort Rooms, Deluxe Suites and a Superior Penthouse.

The area, in which the hotel is located, is popular for cycling, and car hire is also available.

The authentic village holidays start from £273 per person with Belleair Holidays, including flights from Luton on December 8, 2021, transfers, and accommodation at the Quaint Boutique Hotel Xewkija.

www.jet2holidays.com

www.belleair.co.uk

Image Credit: Jet2holidays

WINTER SUN is on Jet2holidays’ agenda, with its collection of last-minute winter escapes throughout November. db Seabank Resort & Spa This four-star Mellieha Bay resort is situated just off one of the island’s family-favourite beaches, meaning it offers a picturesque collection of both pool and sea view rooms.

Families can lose themselves in the resort’s expansive facilities. The pool’s rocky cove, with a pirate ship play area, is always a hit with children, while the db Kids’ Club guarantees activities to keep them active and occupied. In the meantime, parents and adults can relax at the resort’s adults-only pool and dining options, or de-stress at the Pearl Spa’s facilities, which includes a sauna and steam room.

With seven restaurants on-resort, guests are spoilt for choice.

Seven nights on a half-board basis at the

Belleair Holidays’ leisurely island breaks

db Seabank Resort & Spa, departing on December 12 from Manchester, start from £399 per person. Dine-around and allinclusive options are also available.

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Image Credit: Adobe Stock

AUSTRALASIA

AUSSIE HOT LIST Tourism Australia welcomes new offerings as the country looks with optimism towards the easing of border restrictions.

Talaroo Hot Springs opens Located 360km west of Cairns on the Savannah Way in the outback of Tropical North Queensland, Talaroo Hot Springs is Australia’s only known tiered thermal hot spring, and also features an on-site caravan park and campground. There is also guided tours for those who want to learn more about the Springs. www.talaroo.com.au

ANTICIPATING THE reopening of borders, Janice Kurrle, marketing manager, South Australia Tourism Commission, on behalf of PATA UK & Ireland, is predicting big ‘once in a lifetime’ trips to Australia to gain traction once again.

Agents can also capitalise on their clients’ new-found desire to experience destinations that offer space and excursions in the great outdoors. Across Australia, there is something for everyone, from hiking and cycling holidays, epic road trips, and unique wildlife encounters.

One new product on offer to clients is the ‘Gin, Wine & Wildlife’ e-bike tour by Exceptional Kangaroo Island in South Australia.

The five-hour, fully guided biking experience will take in the Cygnet Park private conservation initiative, which includes Glossy BlackCockatoo habitat restoration, wild encounters with koalas, kangaroos and a range of birdlife, a gourmet al fresco lunch, wine tasting and gin tasting. This excursion is priced from £155 per person.

For the full list of offerings, visit www.tourism.australia.com

For more inspiration, visit www.pata.org.uk

Image Credit: Adobe Stock

SPRING HAS well and truly sprung in Australia, and with it comes new tourism offerings across the country.

Tourism Australia rounds up the latest happenings on this month's Hot List, with offerings including: Public Art walking tour The Museum of Brisbane’s 90-minute Public Art Walking Tour will allow guests to see the city’s plethora of public art and examine the dynamic additions to Brisbane’s squares, lanes, foyers and streetscapes. www.museumofbrisbane.com.au Sofitel Adelaide Positioned in the heart of Adelaide, just footsteps from the river Torrens and Light Square, the five-star Sofitel Adelaide has opened its doors. Room rates start from £870 for a Superior room. www.allaccor.com Live virtual tours of Sydney Harbour Agents seeking inspiration for future client trips to Australia can partake in a virtual tour of Sydney Harbour with EcoWalk Tours.

Tour guide Alan unpacks the history of places both on-and-off trails, with guests able to ask questions in real time. Prices start from £15.50. www.ecowalktours.com.au

PATA UK & Ireland predicts key travel trends for Australia

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AUSTRALASIA

OCTOBER 8 2021 | travelbulletin.co.uk

SET SAIL DOWN UNDER

Pacific Resort Hotel Group unveils Cook Islands renovations

Image Credit: Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Edge will take to the seas of Australasia for the first time in 2023/24, on a collection of new voyages.

PACIFIC RESORT Hotel Group has announced the completion of a US$10 million renovation of the Little Polynesian Resort and Pacific Resort Rarotonga, in the Cook Islands.

The comprehensive renovations took five years to complete, with rooms redesigned with new furniture and floor/wall coverings, and bathrooms remodelled. Public areas, such as restaurants, bars, and pools, have also been given a refresh.

The renovations have seen Little Polynesian Resort earn its fifth star, with Pacific Resort Rarotonga repositioned with four-and-a-half stars.

Getaways', immersing passengers into their destinations’ cultures, bringing the regions to life with an enhanced onboard and shoreside programme.

Select itineraries include overnight stays in Cairns, Auckland and Hobart.

A new port of call for the cruise line will bring guests to the scenic Kangaroo Island, one of Australia's most diverse and expansive nature reserves.

On board, guests have a choice of 29 unique food and beverage experiences to choose from, all designed by a Michelin-starred chef.

Accommodation classes include infinite veranda and AquaClass staterooms to twostorey villas with plunge pools. Suite guests earn exclusive access to lounges and sun decks as part of ‘The Retreat’.

The cruises are set to go on sale from October 14, 2021.

Marcus Niszow, Pacific Resort Hotel Group’s CEO, explained: “The renovations and repositioning have been designed to meet the needs of today’s leisure travellers while paying respect to the resorts’ history and unique culture of the Cook Islands.”

Beachfront Bungalows at the Little Polynesian Resort start from approximately £540 per night.

www.celebritycruises.com

www.pacificresort.com

Image Credit: Pacific Resort Hotel Group

LUXURY-AT-SEA SPECIALIST Celebrity Cruises has announced plans to bring Celebrity Edge down under for its Australasian debut season in 2023/24.

The cruise line's signature Edge Series ship will sail a range of six- to 13-night itineraries from December 2023 through April 2024, immersing guests in the spoils of the South Pacific.

Cruisers will be able to choose from a selection of 12 bespoke itineraries, with 22 ports of call, sailing from Sydney and Auckland.

“Our new advertising campaign poses a question, ‘Isn’t it time?’ to treat ourselves and get out and experience the world. There’s no better way to experience this amazing part of the world than aboard Celebrity Edge,” said Celebrity Cruises’ president & CEO, Lisa Lutoff-Perlo.

The season will comprise uniquely themed itineraries, including 'Sun and Beach Escapes', 'Food and Wine Classics' and 'Five Star

East coast adventures: New South Wales road trips DESTINATION NEW South Wales has assembled a collection of tailormade road trip routes.

'Blue Mountains' is ideal for families; a scenic route just an-hour-anda-half west of Sydney that ticks off a host of UNESCO-listed parkland, Scenic World in Katoomba, and the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden.

The adventurous 'Port Stephens' option takes guests to Australia’s dolphin capital and the nation's sand dunes with the chance to quad bike, or take to the water for kayaking or dolphin- and whale-spotting. www.destinationnsw.com.au

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OCTOBER 8 2021 | travelbulletin.co.uk

See Australasia with Scenic

Finding Fiordland with Heritage Expeditions HERITAGE EXPEDITIONS is offering a 10-day exploration of New Zealand's remote ice-carved mountains, verdant forests and winding fiords of Fiordland.

The majority of the Fiordland's sounds are only accessible by sea, making them some of the most remote areas on New Zealand's mainland.

Established in 1952, Fiordland National Park is now over 1.2 million hectares in size and is deservedly famous for its grand scale scenery, untamed wilderness and unique wildlife including bottlenose dolphins, Fiordland-crested penguins and New Zealand fur seals. Fiordland is also rich in natural history and geology, and is the location of some historical firsts, important restoration and key conservation projects.

The 2022 expedition dates are set for June 21, July 13, and September 28, aboard the

Heritage Explorer vessel.

Prices start from approximately £4,108 per person, based on a shared twin cabin with an ensuite shower room. The package includes pre- and post-cruise coach transfers, accommodation, meals, house drinks and all shore excursions.

LUXURY TOUR operator Scenic has unveiled its collection of land journeys, touring Australia and New Zealand in 2022/2023.

One sample trip is Scenic’s 27-day ’Very Best of Australia and New Zealand’ tour, where guests can experience indigenous wildlife and horticulture, as they are guided on a tour through Melbourne’s Botanical Gardens; experience a bird’s-eye view as they soar over the Atherton Tablelands in Cairns on a sunrise hot air balloon flight; and, spot a rare Kiwi at Rotorua’s Rainbow Springs.

Prices start from £8,695 per person, departing October 8, 2022.

www.heritage-expeditions.com

www.scenic.co.uk

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