TRAVEL GUIDE SPRING 2018
Be inspired – learn about the world – go on an adventure PAGE 4 - 5
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Experts guide to Japan
Top Safari Lodges & Camps in Africa
Our guide to the USA
Discover Europe like a local 1
Welcome to the latest edition of our Travel Magazine. September is an exciting time of year in travel – new brochures for the coming year are about to be delivered, early bird specials are being released and there’s a whole range of new products and travel opportunities arriving in our inboxes. We’ve put together a mix of some of our favourite destinations, travel styles and tours for 2019 to help you start the planning! We’ve settled in nicely to our new offices on Gawler Place, if you haven’t had a chance to pop in and say hello yet, please do. This year Cathy set sail on a Peregrine Adventure Cruise exploring the beautiful Greek Islands, taking in the summer sun and delicious local food along the way. She also took some time to explore the incredible Baltic region while she was over in Europe. Monica embarked on an epic 27-day Persian Caravan Journey, along the Arabian Peninsula. Visiting places like Oman, Iran, Armenia and Georgia along the way, it was an unforgettable experience and one where she had the opportunity to learn about some interesting cultures and traditions. Sherrie explored a popular getaway that isn’t too far from home, Macao. Just across the Pearl River Delta from Hong Kong, this is a great family friendly destination or ideal for couples looking to take a well-deserved break.
Louise headed off to South Africa for a whirlwind trip which allowed her to visit some great accommodation and sightseeing options around Cape Town and Kruger National Park. The highlight being Franschhoek near Cape Town which not only offers great wineries but spectacular scenery, art works and local produce. Bronny escorted a group of clients along the less-taken path to Santiago – the Portuguese Coastal Camino route. Beginning in Porto, Portugal the 250km pilgrimage was an amazing experience for the 13 strong group who took on the challenge! Adriana got to experience Mexico on a Geckos tour (now Intrepid 18-29s), the 15-day tour gave her a first hand look at some beautiful hidden towns between Mexico City and Playa Del Carmen and gave her a great insight into the interesting culture and history of Mexico. As you can see, we’ve been busy building on our knowledge and experiencing some truly beautiful parts of the world. We’re looking forward to assisting our clients in planning some incredible trips for 2019! We love hearing about your travel experiences and seeing your fabulous travel photos – please be sure to send through any images you’re happy for us to share online or in future travel magazines!
The team at Peregrine Travel Centre SA
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Front cover and page 4-5 images courtesy of David Lovejoy and InsideJapan.
Hungry to see the world? Food. The taste. The smell. The sensation. It has the power to conjure up a place. That heavenly seafood you shared with friends on a beach in Greece last summer. The fragrant bowl of pho slurped on a plastic chair in Hanoi’s maze of back streets. Food leaves an incredible mark on our memories and has the power to transform an adventure.
the freshest seafood in Halong Bay, sitting with the locals while sampling the best of street snacks in Hoi An, cycling through the herb gardens of Tra Que village, joining a family for a night spent on the Mekong Delta, to trying your hand at mastering a variety of regional dishes, this trip ensures that you make the most of this food lovers paradise.
And whilst Exodus Travels always carefully craft itineraries so that you experience the absolute best that each country’s cuisine has to offer, they have been busy creating a range of specialist food holidays around the world. Through each dish you’ll learn about the culture and customs of the area you are visiting, meeting locals as you go. You’ll visit the places where regional delicacies are made, the food markets where they’re sold, and get a chance to try your hand at cookery classes.
China Food Adventure – 12 Days China has an unmistakable love of food. Each region brilliantly showcases its own unique flavours and ingredients, from the quintessential Peking duck with its plum sauce to the Musliminfluenced Shaanxi cuisine of Xi’an, and from the deliciously fresh seafood of Xiamen to the tantalising spices of Chengdu, this itinerary follows our tastebuds. We try our hand at cooking some of the most popular dishes, learn about the history of Chinese cuisine and really get under the skin of the country by taking in the incredible sights, sounds, smells and, of course flavours of the incredible street food on offer.
OUR TOP PICKS FOR A CULINARY ADVENTURE Sicily Food Adventure – 8 Days From cannoli to arancini, Sicilian food is world famous, but on this tour prepare to be overwhelmed at how varied and diverse Sicily’s cuisine really is! Sample Palermo’s fragrant street food in its vibrant markets, practice hands-on cooking with local chefs in Trapani, sip the finest wines in Marsala and Etna and indulge in mouth-watering gelatos whilst relaxing in sun-kissed Baroque piazzas. Let food lead the way in this captivating journey through culinary and cultural highlights! Spain Food Adventure – 8 Days This trip visits all the main cultural highlights of central Spain with a strong focus on the gastronomy of the region. Cultural and culinary highlights include rural heritage gems such as Rueda for wine and cheese tasting, the medieval village of Pedraza, the incredibly well preserved Roman aqueduct in Segovia with its famous suckling pig specialty dish and the walled city of Avila before finishing in the magnificent monastery town of El Escorial with a final memorable gastronomic experience in a Michelin star restaurant! Vietnam Food Adventure – 10 Days A culinary journey through Vietnam that reveals a deceptive simplicity to a cuisine renowned for its fresh, natural ingredients, aromatic appeal and delicate balance of flavours. From savouring
If these great tours have got your tastebuds tantalised, contact the team at Peregrine Travel Centre SA to find out more.
FREE COOKBOOK with every new booking! Book any Exodus small group tour with Peregrine Travel Centre SA before 31 December 2018 and you will receive a complimentary copy of their ‘A Taste of Adventure’ hard back cookbook! Featuring a wide selection of customer, staff and leader recipes to help you replicate the flavours of the world in your own kitchen! Simply quote ‘BOOKTOCOOK’ at the time of your booking to take advantage of this exclusive offer. Terms & Conditions apply
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Experts Guide to Japan Is Japan on your bucket list, but you’re overwhelmed with all the information available and not sure where to start? We sat down with the experts at InsideJapan to ask all the hard questions for you – leaving your mind at ease to start planning your amazing adventure in Japan! Japan has become very popular – what’s all the fuss about? What is drawing people to Japan? Everything! For many years Japan was known to Aussies as a place for snow and sakura – the famous cherry blossom. These days Japan is attracting people all year round for a wide range of themes and interests. Whatever you enjoy when you travel – history, culture, art, food, architecture, hiking, technology; you can indulge yourself in Japan. Add famously efficient public transport, a helpful and humble population and a great sense of fun and wonder, and it’s no surprise that Japan is near the top of most people’s travel wish lists. What kind of trips do InsideJapan offer? We run a range of fun and flexible small group tours, led by our own expert tour leaders, covering a range of budgets and comfort levels, from 3-star to deluxe. Our tours are designed to show you more than just the classic destinations, and we include much more than just seeing the sights. On any given day you might be having afternoon tea with a geisha, making your own soba noodle lunch, bar hopping with the locals among the bright lights of Osaka or bedding down in traditional temple lodgings. Do you have to join a group tour? Some people like to travel independently but might be worried about getting around Japan by themselves. We appreciate that group tours aren’t for everyone. Many people want their own private trip, tailored to their needs, on their preferred travel dates. InsideJapan offer exactly that. Our selfguided trips give you the freedom to explore Japan at your own pace, without being part of a group, safe in the knowledge that your trip has been designed by our experts. We can make the trip as slow or fast paced as you like.We can include all the destinations 4
and activities that interest you. We will select accommodation that we know and trust, and match it to your preferred grade and style. We give you detailed travel instructions to give you the confidence to make your own way around Japan, plus our English-speaking customer support team in Japan to give you all the backup and support you need should your plans change or anything go wrong. You don’t have to be totally alone – we can provide some private guiding in key destinations and private car transfers to make trickier journeys easier. We can even reserve you seats on specific trains (on the Mt Fuji side of course!) or arrange an evening out for you to mingle with other travellers. It’s your trip, so we want every detail to be right for you. Do you recommend travellers stay in a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn)? Yes, a stay in a ryokan is highly recommended, as they are unique to Japan and they give you a taste of traditional Japanese hospitality. Contrary to many people’s perceptions they are not all low budget options and they are not all 5-star deluxe either! Like western-style hotels, ryokan range from modest family-run 3-star places, all the way up to luxury inns, with suite-style guestrooms, private hot spring baths and top class Japanese cuisine. And many even offer rooms with western style bedding, so sleeping on a futon is not essential!
Some people are not sure they are going to like Japanese food, and what about vegetarians or other dietary needs? Are they going to be okay? If you are worried about being on a diet of raw fish and rice for two weeks – don’t be! Sushi and sashimi may be the most famous Japanese dishes, but Japan has a wealth of different cuisines, many of which have not yet made it to Australia. Whatever you enjoy; meat, vegetables, seafood, noodles, salads, fruit, crispy snacks or indulgent desserts – there is plenty in Japan for you. At InsideJapan Tours we take special care of clients with dietary requirements, selecting ryokan that offer more flexibility, and providing you with bilingual text that you can show to restaurant staff when out and about. Drinking in Japan is a joy as well, whether it’s trying your luck with Japan’s myriad of colourful soft drinks from a vending machine, doing a tasting session at a traditional sake brewery, or discovering Japan’s growing craft beer scene. Once you have imbibed enough, you may be up for some karaoke…! What about people who have already been to Japan? What would you recommend to see on a second visit? Japan has a tremendous depth of things to see and do. If you stuck to the classic sights of Tokyo, Kyoto and Mt Fuji on your first trip, come back and head off into the mountains for some fantastic scenery, ancient pilgrimage walking trails and relaxing hot springs. Or get off the main island of Honshu and visit one of Japan’s smaller islands – perhaps the wide-open space and rare wildlife of Hokkaido, or the hidden valleys, samurai castles and coastal scenery of Shikoku. At InsideJapan we love designing trips for repeat visitors. Our best customer has been 16 times – and we always find them something new!
A lot of people are concerned about the cost of visiting Japan, is it very expensive? It doesn’t have to be. Whilst there are plenty of deluxe hotels and Michelin star restaurants, it is possible to get around Japan without breaking the bank. A mid-range trip to Japan needn’t cost any more than a similar trip in Europe or North America – but with shorter flight time and no jetlag! Moderate hotels in Japan are all clean and comfortable and well located. The Japan Rail Pass offers great value train travel and eating out on a budget is no problem, with great quality on offer even at a humble street food stand or tiny noodle bar - and you don’t need to tip! Any other top travel tips for Japan? Book well in advance – the best accommodation for peak seasons like spring (Mar/Apr) and autumn (Sep to Nov) sells out months in advance. Make sure you carry cash as well as cards, as smaller shops and restaurants often don’t take cards. Take a pair of slip on shoes for temple hopping in Kyoto – it’s no fun taking hiking boots on and off each time. And make sure you leave some time to simply stroll around while in Japan. Many of the most interesting (and surprising!) moments in Japan are those you stumble across, rather than specific sightseeing or pre-arranged activities. Contact the team at Peregrine Travel Centre SA to find out more about visiting this beautiful country with InsideJapan. 5
MalaMala
Kanana
Top Safari Lodges & Camps in Africa Each year, the well-travelled team at African Wildlife Safaris (AWS) attempts the very difficult task of shortlisting their favourite safari properties in Africa. It’s a tough job, but somebody has to do it! Here is a list of their top lodges and camps for 2018, as well as the reasons why each one made the cut. MalaMala, South Africa The birthplace of photographic safaris in Africa, MalaMala is also renowned as the largest privately-owned game reserve adjoining Kruger National Park. Its immense size, privileged riverfront location and long history of sound conservation management mean that most guests enjoy superb gameviewing throughout their stay. MalaMala’s team of knowledgeable rangers and trio of lavish camps also helped cement a place for this legendary property in our top 8. Sabi Sabi, South Africa A sensational variety of game, unforgettable cuisine and four individually distinct luxury lodges are the factors which set Sabi Sabi apart. There’s something for everyone at this exclusive reserve, which shares an unfenced boundary with Kruger National Park, from adventurous guided walks to relaxing in your own private hot tub or plunge pool. Kanana Camp, Botswana From the moment you walk into this jewel of a tented camp in Botswana’s Okavango Delta, you are treated as family. Kanana’s location on a beautiful and wild river ensures a diversity of species all year round, whilst annual flooding allows guests to participate not only in game drives, but also in a wide variety of water-based activities such as boating and fishing. A fleet of glass-bottomed mokoros (dugout canoes) are always on hand, providing a window into the rich underwater world of the delta.
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Chiawa Norman Carr Safaris, Zambia Norman Carr Safaris is a company that operates one permanent lodge and four seasonal bush camps in Zambia’s magnificent South Luangwa National Park. However, there’s no better way to experience this pristine reserve than on foot, and nobody does walking safaris quite as well as Norman Carr Safaris. We highly recommend walking between any combination of their bush camps for true immersion in the region’s stunning, unspoilt wilderness. Chiawa Camp, Zambia This multi-award winning camp in Zambia’s extraordinary Lower Zambezi National Park ticks all the boxes. It boasts a team of proud, passionate guides, an abundance of exciting safari activities, a gorgeous location and armloads of style. On top of all that, Chiawa Camp is also carbon-neutral, extremely supportive of local communities, as well as family-friendly, making it very hard to beat. Kicheche Mara Camps, Kenya Kicheche Mara operates three intimate classic safari camps in wonderfully scenic settings inside exclusive conservancies bordering Kenya’s famous Masai Mara. All provide unparalleled access to prolific wildlife habitats, with guests treated to a wealth of exhilarating activity options from vehicle safaris to walking, fly camping, hot air ballooning and Maasai village visits.
EXCLUSIVE KENYA SAFARI SPECIALS For a limited time only, African Wildlife Safaris is offering two amazing Kenya safari specials to Peregrine Travel Centre SA customers: • Save up to $2,483 per couple on a 7D/6N luxury safari, including a hot air balloon flight; or Norman Carr
• If travelling with friends, enjoy savings of up to 14% on a 7D/6N classic safari, with a fantastic companion offer. AWS also offers tailor-made tours to all the African destinations mentioned in this article, as well as to countries such as Rwanda, Uganda, Ethiopia, Madagascar and much more. Contact Peregrine Travel Centre SA to start planning your African adventure today.
Kicheche
Gibbs Farm
Sabi Sabi Elephant Bedroom Camp, Kenya Rustic and authentic, Elephant Bedroom Camp is a consistent favourite of travellers to northern Kenya’s arid and ruggedly spectacular Samburu National Reserve. During your stay, you can expect atmospheric meals served al fresco on the Uaso Nyiro riverbank, the indulgence of a personal plunge pool on your veranda as well as a steady stream of wild visitors, from impala and monkey to elephant. Gibbs Farm, Tanzania A focus on wellbeing and community makes Gibbs Farm in Tanzania’s cool, lush Ngorongoro Highlands a truly unique base for explorations of the primeval Ngorongoro Crater. Hike to “caves” dug by elephants, learn age-old East African traditions on eye-opening village walks and cycle peaceful, rural back roads. Back on the estate, you can play your part in bringing paddock to plate, helping to milk cows, bake bread, pick vegetables and roast Arabica coffee beans cultivated for generations in the area.
Elephant Bedroom
CANADA & ALASKA: NEW BROCHURE OUT NOW! AWS’s sister company, Natural Focus Safaris, have recently released their Canada & Alaska brochure for 2019. Featured are the region’s best grizzly bear-viewing lodges, Northern Lights destinations and polar bear tours. There are also Rockies rail journeys, small ship cruises and winter adventures – call, email or visit the Peregrine Travel Centre SA team for your copy.
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Our guide to the USA The United States of America - a country so diverse, with activities and sites for all ages! From the bright lights of Vegas – to spectacular Broadway musicals in New York – to the soulful food of New Orleans – to breathtaking National Parks in Utah & Wyoming – to Disney related fun in California – to the beautiful sunny beaches in Hawaii - and everything in between. America is definitely a fantastic spot to travel and make some unforgettable memories. Given its vast size and distances between each coast, it can be a seemingly overwhelming task to plan an itinerary that fits in everything you want to see. The key – to break it up into bite sized travel chunks! We’ve combined our knowledge and experiences and put together our guide to this popular destination. Take on one part at a time, or combine them for the ultimate adventure, the choice is yours!
BEST OF THE WEST Los Angeles - An entrance city to the US from Australia, it’s worth spending a few days in Los Angeles. Whether it’s taking in the famous sites of Hollywood (Rodeo Drive, Walk of Fame), going behind the scenes of the glitz and glamour of show business at Warner Brothers Studios, being a big kid and enjoying yourself at Disneyland and Universal Studios or exploring the beautiful coastline areas of Malibu, Santa Monica or Long Beach – there’s plenty to keep you busy in the City of Angels. San Francisco - Home to the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, this bay city (another entrance point from Australia) has some spectacular views! Take a ride on a famous cable car, admire the gorgeous Victorian houses and visit the Fisherman’s Wharf to take in the atmosphere (we recommend trying a bowl of their famous clam chowder in a sourdough bread roll!) Another must do is a visit to Alcatraz, this short day trip - takes you to the isolated island where you can tour the renowned Alcatraz prison.
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Las Vegas - The bright lights of Vegas must be seen to be believed. The famous Vegas strip (located in the middle of the desert), filled with jaw dropping hotels and casinos, incredible restaurants and bars and over the top nightlife is delightful to explore. There’s also some great outlet shopping nearby for those wanting to snap up a bargain and of course no trip to Vegas is complete without a visit to the Grand Canyon, no matter if you choose to explore on foot or in a helicopter ride you will be left speechless. Hawaii - The perfect spot to relax on your way home after a busy holiday on the mainland, stop over on the way to unwind before your adventure begins or simply a relaxing break on its own. The sprawling beaches, beautiful resorts, famous surf, numerous volcanoes to explore and 6 different islands to choose to visit will keep you entertained. Oahu, home to Pearl Harbour, Waikiki Beach and Honolulu are some of the most popular islands to visit, however Maui, Hawaii and Kauai are all great options for a mix of beaches, volcanoes, National Parks and hiking.
EASTERN HIGHLIGHTS New York - The ‘city that never sleeps’ does in fact have 24-hour entertainment and options for travellers. Watch a show on Broadway, admire the views from the top of the Empire State Building, take the subway to Brooklyn for a slice of pizza, visit the World Trade Centre memorial, take a walk in Central Park and be in awe at the lights and billboards of Times Square! A short trip to Niagara Falls is also a great idea while you’re in this part of the US. If you visit in winter, make sure you squeeze in some ice skating at Central Park or the Rockefeller Centre and a Christmas Lights tour at night time is a must! Chicago - Chicago is one of the largest cities in America, with a dramatic skyline filled with bold architecture, museums and trendy shopping. Try some delicious deep-dish pizza, visit one of the most renowned natural history museum’s and take a stroll through Millennium Park (or a skate on the ice rink if you’re visiting in winter). Navy Pier is also a popular spot amongst visitors with carnival rides, restaurants and shops to entertain the whole family.
Universal Studios (with the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!), SeaWorld, Legoland and the Kennedy Space Centre just a short drive away. Even if you’re not travelling with kids, Orlando is still a great spot to embrace your inner child and enjoy some incredible rides, experiences and more. Miami is a 1- hour flight from Orlando (or a 3 and a half hour drive down the coast) and is known for its beaches, art scene, nightlife and Cuban influence. There’s plenty of museums, boutiques and restaurants to see and if you’re a fan of alligators, Everglades National Park is less than an hour away! Atlanta - A sprawled-out city with plenty to do; visit the iconic Martin Luther King memorial and museum, explore the Carter Centre to learn all about the work of former President Jimmy Carter’s not-for-profit organisation, visit the CNN building where you can take a tour or grab something to eat in the incredible foyer and there’s plenty of shopping to be had as well! Make sure you try some fried chicken and if you can, visit the largest drive-in fast food restaurant in the world ‘The Varsity’ serving the best hot dogs and fries for 90 years!
Washington D.C - The U.S capital is worth including on your American itinerary. Allowing a few days here to visit the incredible museums, memorials and of course the iconic White House is a great way to soak in some of the history of the United States. There are so many fascinating things to see and do here, we recommend at least 3 days to be able to take it all in.
Memphis - The original King Elvis Presley, B.B King and Johnny Cash are just some of the many musical sensations to come out of this blues, soul and rock ‘n’ roll city. Take in the sites and sounds of Beale St, visit Graceland the famous home of Elvis Presley, tour the iconic Sun Studio and stay at the Peabody Hotel famous for its traditional daily duck parade through the hotel to the fountain in the foyer.
DISCOVER SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY
EXPLORE NATIONAL PARKS
New Orleans - When someone says Southern hospitality, New Orleans is one of the first places that comes to mind. Friendly locals, a delicious mix of soulful food and the home of jazz! You can time your visit with one of their many festivals, such as the famous Mardi Gras or Jazz Fest, but even if you visit during another time of the year the vibrancy, colours and sounds of the city are always on show for travellers to enjoy. Stroll the French Quarter and many parks, explore the nightlife and bars and make sure you don’t leave without sampling some gumbo, jambalaya, fried shrimp and a beignet!
There are so many incredible National Parks all over the US that they deserve a mention all on their own! Bryce Canyon, Great Smoky Mountain, The Appalachian Trail and Monument Valley (just to name a few). Incorporating a few of these into your US itinerary will get you up close with nature and exploring some of these truly beautiful landscapes in the country by foot is an amazing travel experience.
Orlando & Miami - We’ve paired these two cities as they are both in Florida and easy to combine into one visit. Orlando is quite possibly the king of theme parks. Home to Disney World,
This is by no means an exhaustive list and trying to summarise travel to the USA in just one article would be impossible! The possibilities are endless, contact our team of consultants on 08 8223 5905 to let us help you put together the perfect USA itinerary for you! 9
Discover Europe like a local
Europe is a favourite holiday destination among Australian travellers, due to the diversity of the destinations and the ability to enjoy both a dreamy summer getaway or a winter escape. With a maximum group size of 12 people and a local leader to guide you the entire time, seeing Europe with Peregrine is an amazing way to immerse yourself in whichever destination takes your fancy. So, if you’re looking to experience Europe like a local rather than a tourist, look no further than our five most popular Europe trips. 10
1. Jewels of the Adriatic Our 15-day Jewels of the Adriatic tour is the perfect display of European diversity. You will experience everything from the alluring canals of Venice to the breathtaking serenity of Lake Bled in Slovenia. Food and wine lovers will be spoiled for choice, with a range of delights, from wine sampling in a small Croatian town known for Malvazija wine, to a truffle tasting in Istria. A visit to the World Heritage Plitvice Lakes National Park is also a true highlight – the 19 hectares of wooded hills surround 16 stunning turquoise lakes, all connected by a series of waterfalls.
2. Treasures of Turkey
4. Cruising Croatia's Central Coast
With a foot in the East and a toe in the West, Turkey’s distinct charm is hard to resist. Our 15-day Treasures of Turkey tour is just enough time to fall under this country’s captivating spell. You’ll have a chance to feast your eyes on the best of Turkey's other-wordly sights, from the 'Cotton Castle' of Pamukkale to the psychedelic rockscapes of Cappadocia. You’ll also discover the magnificent Greco-Roman historical sights of Ephesus. And after all that exploring, there will be plenty of time to relax with a traditional Turkish bath.
Eight days may not sound like a lot, but when you’re cruising on a small ship you can cover a whole lot of ground – or should we say sea? Peregrine’s sustainable Adventure Cruises have a maximum of 50 travellers onboard, so they can go where the big ships can’t. Without tenders or large crowds, you can hop off the ship and taste seafood in a small Croatian village, then hop back on board and grab more sunscreen. It’s that easy.
3. Essence of Spain
On our 9-day Highlights of Iceland tour you will have an opportunity to truly reconnect with nature. Explore the beautifully rugged landscapes of Iceland’s western peninsulas with their soaring coastal cliffs, centuries-old volcanic glaciers and idyllic waterfalls. Then, it’s all aboard for a boat cruise between icebergs at Glacier Lagoon and a leisurely trek around vast waterside craters. You’ll also visit charming fishing villages and walk the colourful streets of Reykjavik.
There are the well-known Spanish sights like Gaudi’s impressive Sagrada Familia church or the UNESCO-listed art towns of Avila and Segovia. And while our 13-day Essence of Spain tour covers these, you’ll also discover some of the hidden gems you might not find on your own. Learn about the olive oil production process in Andalucia and its overall importance to the region, while enjoying tastings on an exclusive visit to a small, family run factory. Also enjoy a night at our feature stay hotel in Cordoba, a traditional Andalusian-style building filled with artistic manifestations of Al-Andalus.
5. Highlights of Iceland
Do you want to immerse yourself in the wonders of Europe? Speak to the team at Peregrine Travel Centre SA to book your small group tour today. 11 11
Top adventures in South East Asia
Bustling marketplaces, glittering temples, friendly locals and vibrant cuisines – South East Asia is the region that has it all. Not to mention it’s the perfect destination for Australian travellers looking to avoid a long-haul flight. Whether you want a shor t break or plan to spend a bit of time exploring the region, there’s never been a better time to book a small group adventure with Intrepid Travel and uncover the hidden gems of this popular region. Here are five of the hottest South-East Asia holiday destinations to put on your travel bucket list. 1. Vietnam
2. Cambodia
Known for its fresh and fragrant food, fascinating war history and energetic cities, Vietnam is so hot right now for travellers of all ages. On Intrepid Travel’s 10-day Vietnam Express Southbound small group tour, you will see all the highlights as you travel from north to south. Sip coffee with locals in Hanoi, cruise along emerald waters on a Halong Bay boat trip, travel through old-world Hue and Hoi An, and get lost in the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City, all with the help of your local leader.
In most people’s minds, Cambodia is synonymous with Angkor Wat, and while this stunning temple complex is unmissable, there is so much more to this diverse country. On Intrepid’s popular 9-day Cambodian Traveller trip, you’ll discover Kampong Luang and the countryside around Battambang with a visit to a floating village and a bike ride around farms and cottage industries. You’ll also learn a lot about the nation’s sobering history, with a memorable visit to the Killing Fields.
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3. Thailand On an Intrepid trip in Thailand, you’ll get off the beaten track and visit hidden gems an everyday tourist won’t get the chance to discover. On Intrepid’s 8-day Adventure Cruise: Cruising Thailand and Malaysia, your small ship will stop at hidden national parks, islands and inlets you would never discover on your own. With a maximum of 50 people aboard the sustainable small ship, you won’t be fighting the crowds for the best snorkelling spots. 4. Indonesia For many Australian’s, Indonesia is associated with the Bintang-fuelled beach par ties of Bali, but there is so much more to this tropical paradise. Intrepid’s 14-day Jakar ta to Ubud trip will have you exploring miles of empty beaches, steamy verdant rainforests, volcano-studded valleys, culture-rich cities, ancient temples – and that’s just the beginning. From Yogyakar ta to Mt Bromo, Seloliman to Ubud, this journey is sure to help you fall in love with the incredible hidden par ts of Indonesia.
5. Borneo Borneo is one of the stars of South East Asia that often gets overshadowed by Vietnam and Thailand – but it shouldn’t! Explore this mystical land of incredible natural beauty and rare wildlife on Intrepid’s 12-day Sabah Adventure trip. You’ll experience the very best of this part of Borneo - climbing Mt Kinabalu, watching elusive sea tur tles lay their eggs upon Tur tle Beach and sharing laughs with local village hosts – Sabah has something for everyone! Speak to a Peregrine Travel Centre SA consultant today to find out more about Intrepid Travel’s amazing range of South East Asia small group adventures. 13
New Zealand North or South?
You know you want to cross the pond and experience the holiday-of-a-lifetime in New Zealand, but you’re not exactly sure where to go. You’ve heard tales of the spectacular natural wonders, the Lord of the Rings scenery and the opportunities to indulge in some delicious local food and wine. But when it comes time to book your dream trip, you’re faced with a million-dollar question: the North Island or South Island? Never fear wanderlusters, we’re here to help. When you visit New Zealand on an Intrepid small group tour, your local leader will be on-hand to make sure you get to see the best bits of this stunning country like a local, rather than a tourist. With a maximum group size of 16, you won’t have to fight the crowds for a brilliant holiday snap at the picturesque spots you visit, but you will have plenty of trustworthy people willing to capture the moment for you – no matter where in New Zealand you are. So, what are you waiting for? Here are Intrepid Travel’s top tips for choosing where to go on your next New Zealand adventure. North Island One of the best things about a trip to New Zealand’s North Island is the opportunity to learn more about Maori culture. On Intrepid’s 8-day New Zealand North Island Discovery trip, your local leader will be sure to give you plenty of opportunities to experience this ancient culture authentically and respectfully. You’ll have the chance to sample the local Kai (food) and meet the local people. The North Island will also awe you with unique natural attractions, including active volcanoes, geothermal features; bubbling mud pools, geysers and natural hot pools. Utter bliss. 14
South Island If heading south is more your style, you won’t be disappointed on Intrepid’s 11-day New Zealand South Island Explorer trip. You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to scenery and adventurous delights – like a hike on the Franz Josef Glacier or a cruise through Milford Sound to view New Zealand's highest peak, Mt Cook. There will also be plenty of opportunities to embrace your wild side in Queenstown (if you are so inclined!), where activities like bungy-jumping, mountain-biking, kayaking, rafting, jet-boating and paragliding are all commonplace. After all that adrenaline rush, you’ll be ready to sample a glass of local wine – the South island’s Waitaki Valley is known for a delicious drop – so head to a cosy local bar. … or both Can’t choose between the two islands? If you’ve got the time, Intrepid’s 22-day New Zealand Adventure Southbound starts from the tippy top of the North Island and makes its way all the way down south to Queenstown. Along the way, hit up all the big cities like Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, while getting your fill of glaciers, rugged cliffs, glassy bays and everything a New Zealand holiday promises. With these three trips and more on offer, Intrepid Travel truly has New Zealand covered. Speak to a Peregrine Travel Centre SA consultant today to book your dream escape.
Arctic Wonders
Small ship expedition cruising in the Arctic is easily the best and most comfortable way to experience the stunning, vast and diverse wilderness and oceans of the north. Small cruise ships allow access to places that larger ships cannot get too. If you want to witness the ‘Arctic Big Five’ including polar bears and walrus, a small ship can get you closer for a truly amazing wildlife viewing experience. The main Arctic cruising season runs from June to September, however a few specialist cruises will run outside of these months and it can be a highly rewarding experience, with potential views of the majestic Northern Lights! Arctic cruises can be anywhere between 7 to 35 days on a huge selection of ships, ranging from 100-year-old three masted sailing ships, to very luxurious and modern luxury expedition ships with experts on board each ship to guide and give you exclusive insights along the way. Cruising in the Arctic can be split into five regions; Spitsbergen, Iceland, Greenland, Canada and The Russian Arctic. The main island of the Norwegian Svalbard archipelago, Spitsbergen offers magical landscapes, a blend of ancient glaciers, jagged mountains and spectacular fjords. In summer, the sun shines day and night, to better showcase the vastness of the ice and the animals that inhabit the region – whales, arctic foxes, walruses, reindeer and of course polar bears, the undisputed kings of the ice. Iceland’s geology in all its manifestations - glaciers, thundering waterfalls, immense cliffs, geothermal springs, boiling mud pots, and rock and lava-scapes of unearthly beauty - is world-class. When you include Iceland’s people, their unique cultural heritage, the island’s geography and birdlife - seeing it all in one 360º expedition is irresistible. Late season in Iceland (September/ October) gives visitors the chance to see the famed Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights), as the nights become longer.
Greenland’s coastline is filled with the largest and most dramatic fjord system in the world! Spectacular glaciers, icebergs, friendly native communities and villages offer incredible and rich cultural and natural experiences. Explore the Baffin Island coast, on the watch for whales, birds and bears. With zodiacs standing by for excursions to get travellers close to the action and wildlife safely. Further into Canada, and you can sail the great sea-route at the top of the world, the famed Northwest Passage and follow in the wakes of Franklin, Rae, Amundsen and many more famous polar explorers. You will meet the Inuit who call the Arctic home, travel with scientists, artists, musicians, local culturalists, and historians - all of whom are drawn magnetically north. The Northwest Passage will leave you speechless! In Russia there are two distinct areas; Franz Josef Land and Wrangel Island. Franz Josef Land is an archipelago of 191 islands located in the Arctic Ocean, 900 kilometres from the North Pole. It is a sanctuary of Arctic wild life including walrus colonies, polar bears, arctic foxes, marine mammals, bird cliffs, and historical remains. Wrangel Island is a nature reserve and World Heritage site, which has outstanding wildlife values. It is sometimes referred to as a polar bear Maternity Ward because of the high density of denning polar bears. A cruise last year saw over 150 in one day! As the ice retreats each summer, the Polar Bears come ashore, likewise walrus find refuge here each summer in large numbers. Birds like snow geese and snowy owls also breed here. Of course, Wrangel Island is also home to prehistoric mammoth finds and features in many Arctic exploration stories. If you are interested in natural history or Arctic history, exploring this area will not disappoint. With so much choice let the team at Peregrine Travel Centre SA, who are the Arctic expedition cruise experts, whittle down the huge range of small ship cruises on hand from their key partners at Wild Earth Travel and find the correct voyage to suit your needs and budget. 15
Join a Peregrine Travel Centre Exclusive Journey
Contact us to discuss our fantastic range of exclusive departure small group tours.
Little Heroes Foundation: ANZAC Kokoda Trek
Jewels of Botswana, Cape Town & Victoria Falls
13 days, departing April 2019
15 days, departing August 2019
Exclusive Culture & Wildlife Tour of Ethiopia
Leisurely Annapurna
Departing October 2019
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CONTACT US
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13 days, departing November 2019
142 Gawler Place, Adelaide SA 5000 Phone 08 8223 5905 Email adventures@peregrinetravel.com.au www.peregrinetraveladelaide.com.au
LIMITED PLACES REMAIN!
Book your spot now to avoid disappointment!
LIMITED PLACES REMAIN!
Book your spot now to avoid disappointment!