Inspiring Vacations – May/June 2022 by Inspiring Vacations Magazine

FIVE OF THE BEST Wonders of Egypt

TOUR SPOTLIGHT Hobbiton, NZ

ISLAND HOPPER

Rottnest Island, WA

HOLIDAY AT HOME Tasmanian Wine Trail

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COLOUR & CHAOS Your door to India

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FROM THE CEO

WELCOME Welcome to the May/June issue of Inspiring Vacations magazine! We’re enjoying a renewed dose of wanderlust this year on a global scale, but a silver lining of the last couple of years has been the chance to explore our own backyard. We’re still very proud of the adventures we take travellers on closer to home, and in this issue you can read all about our customer Gayle’s experiences in the Kimberley, as well as feature stories on Western Australia’s Rottnest Island and wine trails in Tasmania. Our cover story – a first timer’s guide to India, page 20 – will be sure to spark a bit of travel dreaming. Click to view our India tours here

and read more about this fascinating country, a veritable feast for the senses. Like always, I love to hear your feedback so please get in touch through magazine@ inspiringvacations.com and remember to tag #inspiringvacations on your social media snaps for the chance to win a $100 e-gift card! Wherever you’re hoping to visit, we’re here to help. Happy reading and safe travels!

Paul Ryan CEO

CREDIT: PIKOSO.KZ /SHUT TERSTOCK .COM

CONTENTS 01 03 05 07 09 11 12 20 26 32 34

WELCOME A note from our CEO WHAT’S ON May/June events, online & offline

INSPIRING VACATIONS MAGAZINE Editor Vanessa Mulquiney

Art Director SIXTWO Creative Contributors Emily Humphrey, Laura Coop, Krysia Bonkowski

IN THE KNOW Travel news from around the world TOUR SPOTLIGHT Hobbiton, New Zealand

FIVE OF THE BEST Treasures of Egypt CUSTOMER TRAVELS Gayle & Janet in The Kimberley ISLAND HOPPER Rottnest Island, Western Australia

Marketing & Advertising Laura Coop Contact For editorial and advertising enquiries, please email magazine@ inspiringvacations.com or phone 1300 88 66 88 (AU)

COVER STORY First Timer’s Guide to India HOLIDAY AT HOME Tasmanian Wine Trail

When you see this symbol on our pages, press play and you’ll be redirected to our beautiful destination videos.

Q&A Meet Amanda Coxworth, our Social Media Manager ARMCHAIR TRAVELLER A visit to Shinkawa, Japan

Inspiring Vacations Magazine is published bimonthly by Inspiring Vacations (ABN 22 623 610 711), Level 2, 420 St Kilda Rd Melbourne VIC 3004. © 2022. All rights reserved. Articles express the opinions of the authors and not necessarily those of Inspiring Vacations.

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We love our customers sharing their travel photos and memories with us. Use #InspiringVacations when posting your photos on social media and you could appear on this page and be in the running to win a $100 gift card!

RUNNER UP

WINNER

Spain

This unusual statue of a figure kicking a soccer ball was taken in Granada on my Spain, Portugal, Morocco tour. — Ruth M

Egypt

RUNNER UP

This photo was taken while exploring Karnak Temple in Luxor. There are about 134 giant sandstone columns in the form of papyrus stalks. The Egypt, Jordan and Israel tour we did in 2020 was the most exceptional holiday we have ever had. — Andrea E

Egy pt

Like us @inspiringvacations

I saw this Bedouin woman with her donkey at the coffee stop on the way to Alexandria on my Treasures of Egypt tour. — Sue M

CALENDAR

WHAT’S ON

No matter where you are in the world, there’s plenty of events - both online and offline - to enjoy

Puebla, Mexico MAY 5 CINCO DE MAYO

Head to Puebla for the true Cinco de Mayo experience as locals gather to reenact the famous battle and celebrate their Mexican heritage.

Cannes, France MAY 17-28 CANNES FILM FESTIVAL

Hong Kong JUNE 3 DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL

Boat racing, rice dumplings and realgar wine are all part of the traditional festivities to honour the famous Chinese scholar Qu Yuan.

Glitz and glamour! A-list celebrities descend on the French Riviera for the Cannes Film Festival, the highlight event of the cinematic calendar.

Tasmania, Australia JUNE 15-22 DARK MOFO

MONA's renowned midwinter music, arts and food festival returns to Hobart with beloved signature events, including the annual nude solstice swim!

London, England Gloucester, England

COMPILED BY L AURA COOP

MAY 30 COOPERS HILL CHEESE ROLLING

The ancient annual tradition of chasing a ninepound wheel of Double Gloucester down Cooper’s Hill returns. First contender to reach the bottom quite literally wins the cheese!

JUNE 2-5 PLATINUM JUBILEE

Vienna, Austria

A host of unprecedented events and celebrations are planned to commemorate Her Majesty The Queen as the first British monarch to celebrate 70 years of service.

JUNE 16 SUMMER NIGHTS CONCERT

UNESCO-listed Schönbrunn Palace provides the perfect backdrop for the Vienna Philharmonic’s annual open-air concert.

INSPIRINGVACATIONS.COM 3

INSPIRING SOUTH AMERICA 19 DAY STUNNING LATIN DISCOVERY

BUENOS AIRES • RIO DE JANEIRO • LIMA • AMAZON JUNGLE • SACRED VALLEY • MACHU PICCHU • CUSCO

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YOUR 19 DAY INSPIRING SOUTH AMERICA TOUR INCLUDES: • 18 nights in mostly 4 star hotels

We had an amazing vacation to Egypt in 2017 with Inspiring Vacations and look forward to an amazing trip to South America in 2023.

• Daily breakfast, 3 lunches and 2 dinners • 3 day Amazon Jungle exploration • Fully escorted by English-speaking guides • All internal ﬂights, coach, rail and boat transport

PERU Lima

2 Amazon Jungle

Machu 2 Sacred Valley Picchu Cusco 3 Puno 2 Lake Titicaca

• Small group touring with a maximum of 20 people

Rio de Janeiro 3

• Incredible sightseeing including Machu Picchu, the Amazon jungle, both sides of thundering Iguazu Falls, islands of Lake Titicaca, glamorous Buenos Aires and vibrant Rio de Janeiro 1

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BRAZIL

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ARGENTINA

1 Buenos Aires

TRAVEL NEWS

IN THE KNOW What to do, see and where to play

New Hobart escape

Eager to experience the sights of the Apple Isle with a luxury stay in the state’s capital? Newlyopened The Tasman should be top of your list. Comprising two reimagined heritage buildings and a contemporary glass-walled Pavilion, guests will be stunned by the luxuriously appointed rooms and suites on offer. The first Australian venture in Luxury Collection’s extensive profile of international properties, The Tasman’s prime waterfront location also houses a signature Italian restaurant and oldworld cocktail bar.

Australia's best patch of sand

PHOTOS: GRAND SUITE VENICE SIMPLON ORIENT EXPRESS (FACEBOOK); THE TA SMAN (FACEBOOK)

Little-known Misery Beach has nabbed the enviable title of Australia’s Best Beach for 2022, awarded by Tourism Australia. Despite its name, this little-known gem has all the hallmarks of a typical beach on Western Australia’s stunning South West coastline; clear turquoise water and pristine white sand surrounded by dramatic granite outcrops. Eager travellers will find this uncrowded, 200-metre-long stretch of heaven a stone's throw from Albany within Torndirrup National Park, also known for the Gap and Blowholes.

Wish upon a star

Joyeux anniversaire

Exclusive champagne house Veuve Clicquot is celebrating its 250th anniversary by taking over the Venice Simplon-Orient Express for a once-ina-lifetime luxury journey through France and Italy. Departing in June, guests will enjoy immersive lunch and cellar door tastings as they follow the shipping route of the first Veuve bottles, boarding in Reims (in the fabled Champagne region) before meandering through the Alps to Venice, for a magical night staying at the Belmond Hotel Cipriani after the birthday brand’s Sunset Ball.

Terracotta rooftops, medieval cities, gorgeous islands and stunning national parks are all synonymous with Croatia – now let’s add astrotourism to the list. Jelsa, a quaint harbour town on Hvar island, has been designated as the first International Dark Sky Community in Southern Europe. Initiatives to tackle light pollution have resulted in darker night skies, transforming the town into one of the best locations for stargazing. Plans for future events include night sky safaris, astrophotography and stargazing festivals.

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NEW ZEALAND DISCOVERY

COMPELLING 20 DAY ADVENTURE FROM NORTH TO SOUTH AUCKLAND • BAY OF ISLANDS • WELLINGTON • CHRISTCHURCH • MT COOK • WANAKA • FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER

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YOUR 20 DAY NEW ZEALAND DISCOVERY TOUR INCLUDES: • Enjoy the ﬂexibility of independent travel

Very helpful in getting information to me for my upcoming overseas holiday. I would highly recommend Inspiring to any prospective traveller.

• 19 nights accommodation in 3-4 star hotels and motels • 8 days Toyota Corolla car rental with unlimited kilometres

1 Bay of Islands 4 Auckland

Waitomo

• Travel onboard the scenic TranzAlpine rail journey • Cruise between Wellington and Picton on the Interislander scenic ferry

Picton

1 Kaikoura

• Incredible sightseeing including Bay of Islands, Waitomo, Hobbiton and New Zealand’s famous glaciers and national parks 1

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Greymouth

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1 Mt Cook

Wanaka 1

3 Queenstown

Christchurch

TOUR NOTES | HOBBITON, NZ

YOU SHALL not PASS Immerse yourself in Middle-earth

PHOTOS: TOURIS M NEW ZEAL AND

WORDS BY EMILY HUMPHREY

You don’t have to be a fan of the enormously successful Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film trilogies to appreciate the largest ‘green set’ in the world. In the heart of the Waikato region on New Zealand’s North Island, the Hobbiton™ movie set consists of 12 acres of green splendour in Matamata’s countryside, nestled in the rolling hills of a 1,250-acre working sheep farm. There isn’t a theme park vibe here – rather, you’ll feel as if you’ve been transported to Middle-earth, with remarkable attention to detail in these magical surrounds. This lush, enormous outdoor movie set has been frozen in time to remain The Shire. With verdant green grass and bright flowers blooming, there are 44 Hobbit holes (most are façades, but some can be explored), the Mill, the doublearched bridge and yes, the Party Tree. Don’t miss the chance to have a photo at the gate to Bilbo’s house, ‘Bag End.’ It’s about a two-hour drive from Auckland, one hour from Rotorua. Although it’s open all year round, being an outdoor set, you are exposed to the elements. Once you arrive at the set, there is no self-guided option – the only way to explore is with a fully guided walking tour, beginning at the Shire’s Rest.

INSPIRED TO VISIT NEW ZEALAND? Check out our tours here

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CAPTIVATING EGYPT

SMALL GROUP TOURS NOW AVAILABLE FOR 2022/23

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16 DAY UNDISCOVERED EGYPT

26 DAY EGYPT, JORDAN & ISRAEL Haifa Tel Aviv 1 Jerusalem 2

Alexandria

2 Nazareth Jerash 3 Amman

ISRAEL

Petra 2

Alexandria El Alamein

Cairo

Wadi Rum 1

JORDAN 1 2

2 Hurghada

Hurghada

EGYPT 3

EGYPT

Luxor Edfu Kom Ombo Aswan

Abu Simbel

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2 Luxor

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Edfu Kom Ombo 2 Aswan

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Abu Simbel

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Small group tour – up to 16 people

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9 nights in deluxe 5-star accommodation and 6 nights aboard two spectacular cruises on Lake Nasser and the Nile

• 20 nights in 4 and 5-star accommodation, including an overnight stay in a private tent in the Wadi Rum desert, and 3 nights cruising the Nile

•

Daily breakfast, 8 lunches and 7 dinners

•

Incredible sightseeing including the Great Pyramids and Sphinx, Abu Simbel, Alexandria, El Alamein, the Valley of the Kings, and the Red Sea

• Daily breakfast, 6 lunches and 8 dinners, including lunch at the famous St Peters on the Sea of Galilee

PER PERSON

•

Fully escorted tour with English-speaking Egyptologist guide throughout

•

All internal ﬂights within Egypt, return airport transfers and dedicated private transportation throughout

TRAVEL FROM FEB 2023 TO OCT 2023 Rated Excellent based on 2,300+ reviews

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• Small group tour – up to 16 people

PER PERSON

• Incredible sightseeing, including the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx, ancient temples, burial sites and the holy cities of Jerusalem and Nazareth, ﬂoat in the Dead Sea • Fully escorted with an English-speaking guide throughout • Includes all internal ﬂights and comfortable, dedicated private transportation throughout

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FIVE OF THE BEST

WONDERS OF ANCIENT EGYPT The most incredible treasures revealed WORDS BY EMILY HUMPHREY

3. GREAT PYRAMID OF GIZA Part of the Giza Necropolis – Egypt’s most-visited tourist attraction – are the three large Pyramids of Giza, the largest of which is the Great Pyramid of Giza, the only one that remains largely intact. A royal tomb standing nearly 140 m high, it was built from more than two million blocks of limestone, most likely mined from nearby quarries. The pyramids’ original smooth limestone exteriors have long since weathered away, but the chance to explore the site is a chance to reconnect with the past.

1. KARNAK A complex of temples not far from Luxor, Karnak is a fantastic site for exploration, boasting a diverse mix of ruins, chapels, columns and obelisks over three compounds. The former capital of ancient Egypt, Karnak – then Thebes – was constructed over centuries and retains its impressive spectacle. The 3,400-year-old road linking the ancient centres of Karnak and Luxor, lined with hundreds of ram- and human- head sphinxes, was recently reopened after a mighty restoration effort that began in 2017.

4. VALLEY OF THE KINGS Possibly the largest number of pharaohs you’ll find commemorated in one place – which for Egypt is a truly impressive claim – is in the Valley of the Kings. Constructed over the course of nearly 500 years, the Valley is a series of tombs dedicated to ancient Egyptian leaders, maintained until the 11th century BC. Among more than 60 tombs and numerous chambers are many startling designs and opulent interiors which, at the time, were filled with valuables. The wall markings alone provide a fascinating lesson in life and death in ancient Egypt.

2. ABU SIMBEL TEMPLES Two gigantic structures carved from mountainside rock, these temples have an imposing authority that reflects the leader who built them: Ramesses the Great, a 19th dynasty monarch who reigned for seven decades until 1213 BC. Four seated pharaohs, carved onto the outside wall of the larger temple, greet visitors before they journey inside to marvel at a remarkable array of inscriptions, painting and statues within both temples. Equally impressive was the project undertaken in the 1960s to relocate both structures from their original site and avoid flooding.

5. NILE RIVER While monuments are important for remembering what was built, equally fascinating is the river running through Egypt’s history. A route created for trade and a source of food, journeying along the Nile is not only an opportunity to see the sights – many are not far from its banks – but to tap into the consciousness of ancient Egypt. The rising of its tide was attributed to the tears of Isis, one of Egypt’s many myths and customs. INSPIRINGVACATIONS.COM 9

KIMBERLEY EXPEDITION & MITCHELL PLATEAU 16 DAY TOP END ADVENTURE

GIBB RIVER ROAD • TUNNEL CREEK • WEST KIMBERLEY GORGES • EL QUESTRO • BUNGLE BUNGLES

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16D KIMBERLEY

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YOUR 16 DAY KIMBERLEY EXPEDITION & MITCHELL PLATEAU TOUR INCLUDES: • Escorted small group tour of up to 20 people

AVAILABLE AT OUR AU STORE ONLY

Once again a really eﬃcient service both online and with chat service. The Inspiring Vacations team l was in touch with via emails and chat were excellent.

• 2 nights at The Continental Hotel in Broome and 13 nights camping • 13 breakfasts, 13 lunches and 10 dinners • Fully escorted by a professional guide

Mitchell Plateau 2

West Kimberley 2 Gorges

• Transportation in a purpose-built, modern 4WD coach Broome

• Incredible sightseeing including Gibb River Road, Tunnel Creek, West Kimberley Gorges, El Questro Wilderness Park and the Bungle Bungles 1

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Drysdale 1 Station

Tunnel 1 Creek Fitzroy 1 River

El Questro Wilderness 2 Park 2 Lake Argyle Purnululu 2 National Park

China Wall

RETURNED TRAVELLERS | WESTERN AUSTRALIA

A VISIT TO... THE KIMBERLEY

We caught up with Gayle following her trip to the Kimberley with her friend, Janet in May 2021

INSPIRED TO VISIT WA? Check out our tours here

What prompted your tour to The Kimberley, has this area been on your bucket list for a while? Why? My good friend and travelling companion, Janet, had booked an Inspiring Vacations tour to Japan in April 2020 and during the first lockdown we coincidentally both watched an Inspiring Vacations Facebook presentation and changed our plans to the Kimberley. Did your expectations of this area meet reality? Expectations were surpassed by the reality of the area – it is spectacular. What do you wish you knew before travelling to The Kimberley? The Facebook presentation was full of information but the reality was even better than expected! Any surprises? The accommodation in the Wilderness Lodges was fantastic and the food was a very pleasant surprise, including lunches eaten in out-of-the-way spots!

WATCH OUR FACEBOOK PRESENTATION HERE PR E S S PL AY

What were the highlights of this tour for you? A highlight of this tour was definitely the great fellow travellers we met on the tour as well as our tour guide, James (Jimbo). Everyone got along really well and a lot of photos were shared. Mitchell Falls was a wonderful place to visit and travelling via helicopter to the coastline was a wonderful experience. We had a picnic lunch in Cathedral Gorge in Purnululu National Park while an Indigenous lady sang a traditional song – spine tingling. Another highlight would definitely have to be drinks in the middle of nowhere watching the sun go down. The list of highlights is quite long! What do you say to those pondering whether or not to book? Any advice for future travellers? Just go for it! The Kimberley is a beautiful area and is worthy of being on every Australian’s bucket list. I would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking to see more of Australia. There is so much to see and experience. Africa for the wildlife, Europe for the culture but definitely Australia for the landscape. Where are you travelling next? Our next trip with Inspiring Vacations is booked for October 2023 to Egypt and Turkey – our third trip with the company! If it’s as good as the other two we will be very happy.

FROM TOP: Bungle Bungles; Cathedral Gorge; Zebedee Springs; Echinda Chasm; Wyndham; Gayle (left) and Janet (right) at Lake Argyle.

INSPIRINGVACATIONS.COM 11

s ' th r Pe

Summer Playground

Pack your snorkel, selfie stick and sense of adventure

PHOTO: XXXXXXX XXXXXXXX

WORDS BY EMILY HUMPHREY

12 INSPIRING VACATIONS MAGAZINE | MAY/JUNE 2022

ure, West Australians are spoilt for choice when it comes to soft whitesand beaches, turquoise waters and endearing marine life and wildlife. But we promise Rottnest Island – or Rotto, as the locals call it – is a bit special. A protected nature reserve, idyllic doesn’t even begin to cover the postcard-perfect beauty of Rottnest Island, with its dreamy swimming spots and a laidback vibe. There are 63 beaches and 20 bays on the 19km² island, a renowned snorkelling destination. It’s almost hard to believe this island paradise is only 18 km off the coast and a hop, skip and a jump from Fremantle or Perth.

ISLAND HOPPER | ROTTNEST ISLAND

GETTING THERE

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The ferry ride can be notoriously bumpy, but it’s a short trip: about 30 minutes from Fremantle, 90 from Perth City and 45 from Hillarys Boat Harbour, north of Perth. Three companies service the island, Rottnest Express, SeaLink and Rottnest Fast Ferries. Book your ticket online to avoid disappointment, especially during the summer months. If you’re feeling really swish, the quicker (and costlier) way to make an entrance is by helicopter or seaplane. And, of course, there is the option of a private boat charter. A short stroll from the ferry terminal, you’ll find Thomson Bay Settlement, with a visitor’s centre, cafes and shops. Later in the day, you’ll see plenty of quokkas scurrying around here. This is the busiest spot on the island; perfect to grab a bite to eat – consider an organic meat pie from the Rottnest Bakery – and any supplies you need. There’s also a small supermarket at Geordie Bay, on the northern side of the island.

SETTLE IN Most (about 70%) Rottnest visitors are day-trippers, but if you don’t feel like sprinting for the last ferry, make a night of it and settle in to enjoy the sunset. You’ll find a slew of accommodation, from basic camping to beachfront glamping and luxury hotels, however, accommodation on the island usually books up fast. The newest digs on the island, Samphire Rottnest, are decidedly high end with luxury villas, enticing restaurants and a prime beachfront position on Thomson Bay. Eco-sustainable resort Discovery Rottnest Island, with 83 tents behind the dunes of Pinky Beach, is a close to nature experience that doesn’t sacrifice creature comforts. All tents have ensuites and outdoor decks and set the scene for a low-impact glamping experience. Karma Rottnest is tucked behind the bakery in the settlement. Housed in an old prison, it’s unfussy and well located. There’s also a campground close to the settlement, a short stroll to The Basin beach. MAIN: Nothing beats Rottnest Island's crystal clear water; TOP: Longreach Bay; BOTTOM: Meat pie from Rottnest Bakery (Rottnest Bakery/ Facebook)

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EXPLORE QUEENSLAND LIMITED 2023 DATES JUST RELEASED

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7 DAY CAPE YORK BY AIR Crock Tent Jardine River Fruit Bat Falls

Tip of Australia

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Crock Tent

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Tip of Australia 3 Bamaga

Cooktown Daintree Rainforest

Daintree Rainforest 3

11 DAY CAPE YORK BY AIR & FITZROY ISLAND Jardine River Fruit Bat Falls

3 Bamaga

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3 Cairns

Cairns

4 Fitzroy Island

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• 3 nights at a 4-star property in Cairns • 3 nights in comfortable ensuite accommodation in Cape York

$3,499* PER PERSON

• 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners • Uncover the wonders of the Daintree Forest and Cape Tribulation • Drive along 4WD-only Bloomfield Track & Telegraph Track • Visit Grassy Hill for endless views of Cooktown, the Coral Sea and Endeavour River • Take a selfie at the northernmost point of Australia

TRAVEL FROM APR 2023 TO OCT 2023 Rated Excellent based on 2,300+ reviews

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• 3 nights at a 4-star property in Cairns • 3 nights in comfortable ensuite accommodation in Cape York

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$4,499* PER PERSON

• 4 nights at the 4-star Fitzroy Island Resort, steps away from the palm-fringed beach • 7 breakfasts, 3 lunches & 3 dinners • Return passenger ferry from Cairns to Fitzroy Island • Incredible sightseeing including Daintree Rainforest, Cape Tribulation, Bamaga and unwind with a 4-night escape to Fitzroy Island

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GETTING AROUND The entire (relatively small) island is a carfree zone, so your options are bus, segway or bicycle. Take your bike across on the ferry for a small fee, or hire one from the ferry company or on the island. Biking around the length of the island is about 22km. There are lots of hills to contend with in the heat, so perhaps consider an e-bike for a more relaxing pedal around. Riding counter-clockwise around the island offers more downhill stints! The 4km mini loop takes in some of the most popular attractions – The Basin, Geordie Bay and Vlamingh Lookout – and can be easily done in under an hour. There are two bus services; a hop-on, hop-off Island Explorer bus stopping at various beaches and bays as it traverses the island in a clockwise direction, and a Discovery Bus that loops around the island in 90 minutes with commentary. Tip: you can hire (small, medium or large) lockers behind the Visitor Centre if needed.

OF COURSE, THE QUOKKAS INSPIRED TO VISIT WA? Check out our tours here

HAVE A WHALE OF A TIME Some parts of the island’s west end are only accessible by bike. If cycling Rottnest’s entire 22km route, the island starts to narrow towards the west end and become more rugged and wild. Stop at viewing platforms at Cathedral Rocks and Cape Vlamingh to see Australian sea lions, Bottlenose dolphins, New Zealand fur seals and (from August to November) humpback whales on their annual migration.

UNDERWATER TREASURES With more than 135 species of tropical fish to spot around here, Rottnest offers incredible snorkel trails. If you don’t fancy bringing your own gear, you can hire from Pedal and Flipper. Try renowned snorkelling haven The Basin or Little Armstrong Bay, a calm, secluded spot on the north side of the island. At Henrietta Rocks, a shipwreck lies about 50 metres from the shore in the shallows. This is ideal when conditions are calm and flat. Salmon Bay is a rich habitat for juvenile marine life. Continue around the coastline to Little Salmon Bay, at the most southern point of Rottnest – it’s perfect for beginner snorkellers, with many reefs in these calm waters. Don’t fancy heading underwater? A glass bottom kayaking tour is a fun way to see what lies below.

These much-loved native marsupials certainly win the Most Popular award on Rottnest Island – quite the accolade, given the abundance of marine life and wildlife to gawk at here. The island’s favourite resident may be incredibly photogenic and friendly (perhaps thanks to the lack of natural predators on the island), but remember not to feed them or touch them. Despite being nocturnal animals, there are plenty around to smile at, especially in the mid to late afternoon. There are free guided walks (1pm daily, departing from the main settlement) to see the quokkas’ natural habitats and learn more about these famous creatures.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Little Salmon Bay; the cutest island resident, the quokka; sea lions playing in the water near Cathedral Rock INSET: Longreach Bay

INSPIRINGVACATIONS.COM 15

GET A GOOD LOOK Take a guided tour to climb to the top of nearby Wadjemup Lighthouse. The highest point of Rottnest Island offers the perfect vantage point for 360-degree views over the island and Indian Ocean – you can even see Perth City on the distant mainland. Pro tip: you’ll likely find plenty of quokkas here near the 19th-century lighthouse looking for shade! For an even better perspective, Rottnest Air offer sightseeing flights from and around Rottnest, or air-taxi transfers to and from the island (about 12 minutes each way, with the option of adding a scenic detour). After more of an adrenaline rush? See the island from the sky and take the plunge with a tandem skydive, with up to 66 seconds of freefall depending on your chosen altitude, before a breezy ride down to land on the beach. LOVE WA?

These adorable marsupials are the very definition of cameraready

You’ll find secluded spots and busy beaches alike scattered across the island. Pinky Beach is home to the buzzing Beach Club bar and restaurant, the perfect spot to relax with a drink and take in the views, especially at sunset if you’re on the island for the night. The Basin (easily walkable from the ferry terminal) is a popular spot, especially for snorkelling in the crystal clear, shallow waters. The sheltered waters of Thomson Bay have a roped off swimming area and are busy given the location in the main settlement. On the southern coastline, Salmon Bay (which is popular and busy), Parker Point and Little Parakeet Bay – another great swimming beach that’s a calm, shallow spot – are all delights. TOP: Pinky Beach and Bathurst Lighthouse; BOTTOM: Western Rock Lobster Roll from Pinky's Beach Club (Pinky's Beach Club/Facebook) 16 INSPIRING VACATIONS MAGAZINE | MAY/JUNE 2022

A RICH HISTORY The island has a chequered history as a prisoner of war camp, a penal colony and army barracks before settling into the idyllic island getaway it is today. If you’re keen to learn more about the island’s military history, buy a ticket to ride the historic train up Oliver Hill and explore the intricate wartime tunnels – still armed with huge 9.2 inch guns. This is the last remaining WWII battery in Australia.

Is this the happiest animal in the world? Social media seems to think so. Everyone’s snapping a quokka selfie – even Hugh Jackman and Roger Federer are in on the fun Although found in other pockets around the state in smaller numbers, Rottnest is the easiest place to interact with friendly quokkas. These loveable, fuzzy creatures enjoy life unhindered on the car-free, predator-free island, which might explain why they’re curious creatures and not afraid of humans. Keen to take part in this social media phenomenon? Conveniently for golden hour – which gives the best light for photography – the best time to see these WA natives is at dusk at Thomson Bay settlement. You can’t miss them. Note that it is illegal to touch or feed them (even if they’re hankering for scraps around the settlement). Tip: Use a selfie stick. Don’t forget to tag #quokkaselfie!

Kylie Min up close wit ogue gets h a quokka

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For a change from the dazzling blue coastline, there are a number of salt lakes towards the centre of Rottnest (12 salt lakes in total, five of which dry up in summer). The smaller lakes have a pinkish hue thanks to the algae dunaliella salina. Although the pink may not be as bubblegum bright as some of the state’s other pink lakes, it’s still a lovely hue, especially at sunrise and sunset. These lakes are part of a wetland habitat that is an important part of the island’s ecosystem, covering more than 200 hectares of swamps, seeps and salt lakes.

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INSPIRING SPAIN, PORTUGAL & MOROCCO 18 DAY FULLY ESCORTED TOUR

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WHY VISIT? Canada is one of the world’s premier destinations and for good reason: endless peaks, breathtaking wilderness, and energetic cities dot the country’s colossal landscape. Each of its 10 provinces offers visitors something special. Dive into the Rockies of southwestern Canada for a glimpse of rugged mountains and glacial lakes. Traverse the untamed western Yukon in search of Canadian history and wildlife.

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Dubbed the final frontier, Alaska, the northern US state bordering Canada is teeming with natural wonders, from glaciers to mountains and volcanoes. Head north of the Arctic Circle and you’ll find towns rich in Native Alaskan history. Almost otherworldly in its rugged beauty and remoteness, Alaska isn’t all glaciers and bears; it’s also bursting with attractions for culture vultures and nature-lovers alike. Interested? Witness the beauty and delight of North America for yourself with one of our popular Canada and Alaska tours.

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FIRST TIMER’S GUIDE TO INDIA Travelling this enthralling country should be intriguing, not overwhelming

PHOTO: XXXXXXX XXXXXXXX

WORDS BY KRYSIA BONKOWSKI

20 INSPIRING VACATIONS MAGAZINE | MAY/JUNE 2022

GLOBETROTTER | INDIA

India is a feast (and occasionally a fullfrontal assault) for the senses. While every visitor will take away something different from this fascinating country, going in with a few simple things in mind will help first timers navigate their rich encounters.

Go with the flow

Not everything in life goes to plan. Embrace this simple fact, and you will get so much more out of your trip. Things may not necessarily run exactly on time or schedule, and India is large, even by Australian standards. Traffic and occasional infrastructure hiccups can mean travelling both near and far may take a little longer. To avoid burning out, or toppling a delicate itinerary, prepare to be flexible, invest in travel insurance and consider enlisting the guidance of a professional who will know how to take things in stride.

Get ready for the gaggle It’s one thing to read Indian population statistics but it’s another to experience them. India’s cities are a limitless resource for keen people watchers, but personal space can be hard to come by at popular tourist attractions, and foreigners might draw curious stares (and surreptitious photographs). Queuing etiquette, for one, is a bit hazy – if you don’t cosy up to the person in front, you might lose your place to someone bolder. A sense of humour is invaluable, and the more you take in your stride, the less attention you will garner. There are also moments of great serenity to be found, whether it’s watching dawn from a quiet ghat, wandering the shaded halls of a Mughal fort, or cruising a sleepy river through palm groves.

Be curious and courteous

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Like any country, India has a deep cultural undercurrent that could take a foreigner a lifetime, or more, to understand. Picking up a few basic customs, however, will serve you well. For instance, pointing with your finger or foot is especially uncouth in India and the left hand is seldom used for eating or passing objects (it’s traditionally reserved for taking care of business in the bathroom). While social mores are changing, dress expectations for women remain quite conservative. Outside of Goa tight or revealing clothing is a rarity, and a light WHEN IS THE shawl is always good to have on hand. A few local BEST TIME TO phrases, such as dhanyavaad (thank you), will never VISIT INDIA? go amiss. PR E S S PL AY

MAIN: Indian woman in red sari in the Taj Mahal. THIS PAGE: Lines of the yellow Ambassador taxi cabs and buses in Kolkata. INSPIRINGVACATIONS.COM 21

Feast not famine Yes, food safety is important for any traveller to keep in mind but Indian cuisine is one of the most vibrant and varied on the planet so depriving yourself would be a shame. If in doubt, exercise the usual logic: crowds of locals are a good sign, always opt for fresh-cooked food and lean on the expertise of those in the know such as local tour guides. The standard of vegetarian food is high, so if you would rather err on the side of caution and skip meat (sometimes a good idea when power outages may impact refrigeration), it’s hardly a sacrifice.

Strike out of the cities Mumbai and Delhi are dizzying in the best ways, but for a glimpse of a different side of India try to get out into the countryside. From verdant southern India, where water buffalo lounge in rice paddies and the pace slows to a sleepy rhythm, to the deserts of northern Rajasthan where camels plod by the roadside, rural India rewards the explorer. India’s national parks also justify the journey, with monkeys, deer, birds of every size and hue and even tigers prowling the hidden corners.

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PHOTO: ANDREA KL AUSS NER; OSCAR FARRERA

THIS PAGE: A tiger cub at Ranthambore Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan; Galtaji Hindu Temple (monkey temple) near Jaipur; Colourful food market in Goa. OPPOSITE PAGE: Handmade Indian textiles make the perfect souvenir; Two women dressed in the traditional Saree stroll the narrow streets of the blue city of Jodhpur.

22 INSPIRING VACATIONS MAGAZINE | MAY/JUNE 2022

GLOBETROTTER | INDIA

Shop up a storm India is a treasure trove for one-off souvenirs so arrive with a little spare room in your suitcase. From vintage Bollywood posters and colourful trinkets to precious silks and ornate jewellery, the wonders to be found in the markets, bazaars and boutiques of India are never ending. Enthusiastic hagglers will find plenty of excuses to hone their skills in the right setting (it’s not really appropriate in fixed-price stores), but it’s not worth losing your cool over a matter of cents. If you plan to invest in something valuable, take your time and use your head – if the price is too good to be true, it’s probably not genuine. Watch out for rickshaw or taxi drivers offering a discount if you agree to a quick detour to their ‘favourite store’.

Be quick on compassion, but slow to reach for the wallet

PHOTO: XXXXXXX XXXXXXXX

Poverty in India is often visible, and pint-sized beggars can be very distressing. But with primary education free throughout the country, children should be in school, so your spare change might do more harm than good. Many Indian nationals are often the first to caution against relenting to begging, which can operate as rackets in busy urban centres. Be wary too of accepting anything foisted upon you on the street as a ‘gift.’ Even something as innocuous as a flower or bracelet may come with an expected fee if you take it.

INSPIRINGVACATIONS.COM 23

Get lost (but not too lost) With a little common sense on your side, wandering the streets of India will reveal sights that will stay with you forever. Thanks to the wonders of modern technology (namely GPS), it’s nearly always possible to find your way. When it comes time to return to home base, many taxi drivers don’t speak English so have your hotel marked on a map and try to memorise a nearby landmark. To make life a little easier, a reputable tour company can help work out an itinerary and tap into that all-important local know-how.

PHOTO: ANDREA XXXXXXX XXXXXXXX KL AUSS NER

THIS PAGE: Taj Mahal at sunset; Auto rickshaw taxis on a road in Agra; Flower sellers at KR Market in Bangalore.

24 INSPIRING VACATIONS MAGAZINE | MAY/JUNE 2022

TASMANIAN DELUXE ROAD TRIP SLUG | SLUG

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ISLAND OF WINE Hit the road and meet Tassie’s many talented vignerons

26 INSPIRING VACATIONS MAGAZINE | MAY/JUNE 2022

HOLIDAY AT HOME | TASMANIA

ick a wine trail, chart a course between cellar doors and get ready to explore Tassie’s cool-climate terroir. The Tasmanian wine industry is a broad church indeed. There are big-name producers and low-fi idealists, staunch traditionalists and experimental minimal-interventionists working from cellar doors in designer sheds and heritage stables. So what does this mean for the adventurous traveller? Four wine trails make for delightful road tripping.

Tamar Valley Wine Trail Follow the trail through the premier cool-climate vineyards and cellar doors of the Tamar Valley to Pipers River in the north and Relbia in the south, winding past orchards, lavender farms and forests. This is the state’s oldest winegrowing region: compact, picturesque and packed with gourmet experiences. The trail links about 30 cellar doors on both sides of the Tamar. This cool-climate region has a global reputation for its sparkling wines, sharing latitudinal position and similar growing conditions with the French region of Champagne. “The region really exemplifies why Tasmania is so good for sparkling wine, because the coastline lets the grapes have longer maturation without the sun heat developing the sugars too much,” says Elaine Curtis-Flynn, the cellar-door manager at Pipers Brook. This is one of the region’s most distinctive vineyards; a picturesque drive through the vines delivers visitors to an architecturally impressive winery, with a café for meals, sales and seated tastings of Pipers Brook, Ninth Island and Kreglinger wines. Make sure you look north: “On a clear day you can actually see our INSPIRED TO VISIT Ninth Island namesake in the distance,” TASMANIA? says Curtis-Flynn. Check out our

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MAIN: La Villa Wines; THIS PAGE CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Pipers Brook Vineyard; autumn at Pipers Brook; Pipers Brook bubbly INSPIRINGVACATIONS.COM 27

There’s more to the Tamar than bubbles, of course. Much of its reputation rests on high-quality pinot noir, as well as chardonnay, riesling, pinot gris and sauvignon blanc. There’s an appetite, too, for experimentation. Winter Brook Vineyard is trialling dornfelder grapes alongside staple varieties. Though little known in Australia, the red grape is popular in Germany and well known to Dutch owners Nicole and Frank Huisman at Winter Brook. “We knew it was an excellent cool-climate grape,” says Nicole. “It’s intensely flavoured, more like a shiraz than a pinot noir.” Winter Brook is a two-person, hands-on enterprise. The Huismans handle everything themselves, from pruning to hand-labelling bottles, and a similar ethos pervades the friendly cellar door, with the invitation to BYO lunch and enjoy it on a picnic table in the shade of the apple trees. “I’d just really recommend making a great afternoon of the Tamar, sampling wine and having some great food,” says Fiona Turner of Jinglers Creek Vineyard. Only 15 minutes drive from Launceston’s CBD, Jinglers Creek is emblematic of both Tasmanian tradition and the island’s exuberance. “It’s a real family affair,” says Turner. “People can touch the vines and look at the chickens running around and I’ll be in my gumboots, but we’re a smart vineyard, too.” They’re trialling new technology such as drone swarms to deter marauding birds, and a vineyard robot dubbed “the vine rover” designed to capture environmental data. “We only have 410 vines,” says Turner. “I feel I’ve almost given everyone a name – and we want to make sure we get the very best quality of fruit.” CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Jinglers Creek Vineyard; Craigie Knowe Winery; La Villa Wines vast collection; autumn at La Villa Wines; Kate Hill Wines; INSET: Nicole and Frank Huisman of Winterbrook Vineyard; Jinglers Creek Vineyard

Southern Wine Trail Thinking of Hobart? The Southern Wine Trail is for you. Spanning the Derwent Valley, Coal River Valley and Huon Valley, all are within an easy day’s drive of the capital, and they combine some of the state’s finest wilderness and wine. A thirty-minute drive south-west of Hobart, Home Hill Winery has a striking rammedearth cellar door, impressive views of kunanyi/ Mount Wellington, and alpacas and cows in the paddocks. “It started off as a hobby farm for a Saturday afternoon, then it grew and grew,” says Rosemary Bennett of the vineyard she owns with her husband, Terry. It’s cold in these parts, and that suits pinot noir and pinot gris: “They like the long, slow ripening process,” she says. Also in the region, don’t miss Kate Hill Wines, produced in a century-old apple-packing shed on the outskirts of Huonville. And just 25 minutes north of Hobart in the Derwent Valley, Stefano Lubiana Wines & Osteria Vista is a Tuscan-style farmhouse idyll where biodynamic principles guide the winemaking.

28 INSPIRING VACATIONS MAGAZINE | MAY/JUNE 2022

HOLIDAY AT HOME | TASMANIA

East Coast Wine Trail Tasmania’s east coast is known for spectacular coastal scenery, laidback holiday towns, and great seafood and wine to match. “It’s where Tasmanians go on their holidays,” says Sandy Travers, of Craigie Knowe Winery. She and her husband, Glen, bought their vineyard after a holiday here. “The life here is relaxed and beautiful, and we try to keep that feeling going at the cellar door. We hadn’t grown grapes before we bought the vineyard, so we’re a good way in for people just learning about wine. There’s no such thing as a stupid question here, but there’s a heck of a lot of good wine.” Team a journey along the East Coast Wine Trail with one of the nation’s great coastal drives. The Great Eastern Drive spans almost 200 kilometres of coastal scenery from Orford in the south to St Helens, near larapuna (Bay of Fires).

Cradle Coast Wine Trail In easy striking distance of Devonport, where the Spirit of Tasmania docks, the north-west region is known for its natural beauty, wild coastline and abundant high-quality produce – and a growing collection of cellar doors, distilleries and craft brewers. Team a trip along the Cradle Coast Wine Trail with pit stops dotted along the Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail, and fill a hamper along the way. Meet winemakers and beekeepers, fishermen and farmers, distillers and dreamers. “We’re finding people are coming back just to try the region. They’ve done the Tamar and the east coast, now they want to try something a bit different,” says Gail Burns, of La Villa Wines. Known for pinot noir, chardonnay, sparkling nebbiolo and savagnin (“it’s good to have a point of difference”), La Villa can be the last stop before boarding the Spirit of Tasmania ferry. “People might drop in an hour early to have a glass of wine under the portico before they have to get to the ferry. It’s a nice way to end your journey.”

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INTERVIEW

NAME AMANDA COXWORTH

OCCUPATION SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER CITY TAMARINDO, COSTA RICA (PREVIOUSLY CANADA)

How did you end up living and working in Costa Rica? It was my husband's idea! Though we weren't married at the time. It was a dream of his to move to Costa Rica to live and work and it didn't take much convincing for me to join him. We travelled here on vacation in 2015 to check it out and absolutely loved it. Our jobs gave us the ability to work remotely and we moved here with our dog (very important detail!) from Canada on a six-month ‘trial’ at the end of 2017. Fast forward just over four years later and we're still here, married with a second dog, a home, a steadily growing Spanish vocabulary and recently, our first child, who is now a dual-citizen for Canada and Costa Rica. What can’t you travel without? My Kindle! I've always been a huge bookworm, and on top of that I tend to get very impatient while travelling from place to place – nothing helps a long airport line or delayed departure go by faster than a good book. That being said, my first trip with our now seven-month-old will probably change this answer – I will have to get back to you on that one! What do you do when you’re not working? I'm an avid scuba diver! Costa Rica has some amazing dive sites very close to where we are living. We frequently see manta rays, reef sharks, octopus and more. My husband actually proposed to me underwater here at our favourite dive site.

Amanda is a keen scuba diver

Favourite ‘off the beaten track’ spots in Costa Rica? We had an incredible mini-holiday at a place called El Castillo, which is a small town right near the base of the Arenal Volcano. It's about 45 minutes from the more popular ‘volcano viewing’ city of La Fortuna. We stayed at an AirBnB with the most incredible, unobstructed views of the volcano, hiked up into the hills behind the house every day, birdwatched for toucans and took a beautiful tour of Lake Arenal with a local boat owner. Where in the world would you travel to right now if money and time weren’t an issue? Egypt! Fun story: due to my dad's job and an extended business trip, my family lived in Egypt for two years when I was a child. I have been itching to return ever since and it's been at the top of my bucket list. I want to see all the main sights, but I also want to return to (if they're still there) my old house, school and neighbourhood. I also would not leave until I had the chance to go scuba diving in the Red Sea. Tell us about your upcoming travel plans Right now my hope is to return to Canada for a visit soon, as we have not been back home for over two years. After that we'd really just love to continue exploring more around Costa Rica. It's a small but diverse country and there are many areas we'd love to explore. And then who knows, we might be able to swing by Australia in the near future – it's been two and a half years since I've seen the rest of the Inspiring Vacations team in person!

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Q &A

32 INSPIRING VACATIONS MAGAZINE | MAY/JUNE 2022

An underwater proposal

ANTIQUITIES OF TURKEY & GULET CRUISE 16 DAY SMALL GROUP ADVENTURE

ISTANBUL • CAPPADOCIA • ANTALYA • FETHIYE • PAMUKKALE • KUSADASI • CANAKKALE

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YOUR 16 DAY ANTIQUITIES OF TURKEY & GULET CRUISE INCLUDES: • 12 nights in 5-star accommodation including 3 nights in a spectacular cave hotel in Cappadoccia & 3 nights sailing on a traditional Turkish ‘gulet’

Loved every minute of the Antiquities of Turkey trip! It outdid our expectations with the quality of accommodation, food and the fantastic sites, and our guide Tolga was top notch with his historical knowledge of the sites.

• Daily breakfast, 11 lunches and 8 dinners • Incredible sightseeing including Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia, the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia, Hadrian’s Gate, visiting Troy and the cliffs of Gallipoli

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Kusadasi 2

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Canakkale 1

Cappadocia 3

Ephesus

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Istanbul 3

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Konya

1 Antalya 1 Fethiye

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ARMCHAIR TRAVELLER A visit to Shinkawa, Japan

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT JAPAN? PR E S S PL AY PR E S S PL AY

When you look at Japanese traditional architecture, you have to look at Japanese culture and its relationship with nature. you can actually live in a harmonious, close contact with nature – this is very unique to Japan. Tadao Ando Japanese architect

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34 INSPIRING VACATIONS MAGAZINE | MAY/JUNE 2022

INSPIRING JAPAN 15 DAY BEST-SELLING TOUR

OSAKA • KYOTO • TAKAMATSU • BEPPU • NAGASAKI • HIROSHIMA • KANAZAWA • MATSUMOTO • MT FUJI • TOKYO

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Having been on a previous Inspiring Vacations holiday I was already aware of their service and value for money so am quite happy to book with the company again.

• Daily breakfast and 1 dinner • Experience the iconic, Japanese bullet train • Incredible sightseeing including breathtaking Mount Fuji, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and UNESCO World Heritage Sites Golden Pavilion, Himeji Castle and Itsukushima Shrine

Hiroshima 1

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1 Beppu 2 Nagasaki

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Himeji 2 Osaka 1 Takamatsu

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Inspiring Vacations – May/June 2022

Articles inside

Q&A: AMANDA COXWORTH

ISLAND OF WINE

FIRST TIMER’S GUIDE TO INDIA

A VISIT TO... THE KIMBERLEY

YOU SHALL PASS

PERTH'S SUMMER PLAYGROUND