Luxury Touring Travel Guide

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TOUR THE –WORLD

Meteora,
Greece A one of a kind Luxury Touring Guide
- There is an ancient Asian proverb that says: ‘Better to see something once than to hear about it a thousand times.’
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Ragusa, Sicily, Italy,

Letter from the editor

The Colosseum is one place that springs straight to mind. I had learned about it in Ancient History at school, but seeing it with my own eyes, and walking around inside its hallowed, pockmarked walls was something I will never forget.

It was one of many eye opening moments on what was my first venture to Europe as a nervous backpacker. I chose the safe option and booked a tour that whizzed me around multiple countries with a busload of friendly people from all over. The ‘it’s Tuesday so it must be Belgium’ style. I loved every single second and my desire to travel was forever set in Colosseum stone.

Tours have most definitely changed since then, with luxury tour companies curating small-group itineraries to cater for different travel styles from the slow, more immersive tours to itineraries that go on roads less travelled to uncover hidden gems, ensuring more local interactions. Tour companies are also ensuring that they are giving back to the communities they visit, are responsible global citizens and care about sustainability.

Travel Associates can curate your dream tour with this selection of our recommended luxury tour partners. Our 300 experienced agents – all with a minimum of 10 years travel under their belts – know that every client is different, with individual tour styles and tastes. They love nothing more than creating perfectly personalised experiences to suit every client. There is a tour for you – no matter what your travel style – and the friends you make on that tour, including the unflappable tour guide, will more than likely stay friends for years.

Pick up the phone and start chatting to the Travel Associates team about where you will tour, and with which company, and once your dream holiday is set and excitement mounts, you can travel with confidence, knowing that your travel advisor is there to support you along the way and that every little detail has been considered.

Where do you want to go on your next tour?

Yours in travel

CONTENTS 6 - 13 Destinations: The places you’ll go 10 of our favourite places to see and explore on a luxury tour 16 - 19 APT Luxury Travel The power of one 20 - 23 Back-Roads Touring The roads less travelled 24 - 27 Bunnik Tours Global connections 28 - 31 Collette Tours Discover the Collette difference 32 - 41 Stories from the road Tour guides tell us the places that most surprise their guests 42 - 45 G Adventures Adventures for good 46 - 49 Globus Break away from the ordinary 50 - 53 Insight Vacations The art of travelling in style 54 - 57 Intrepid Going local 58 - 59 Find your one of a kind Travel Advisor 60 Our Partners 4 | TRAVELASSOCIATES.COM
CONTENTS 16 20 28 24 46 42 50 54
Collette Tours
Adventures
Intrepid Insight Vacations
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Back-Roads Touring Bunnik Tours G
Globus
APT Luxury Travel
Santorini, Greece

From the remnants of ancient civilisations to cities rich in culture, to destinations known for their wildlife to places that win our hearts with their natural beauty, touring with experts and local guides is a wonderful way to explore new –or old favourite – destinations.

HERE ARE EIGHT OF OUR FAVOURITE PLACES TO GO ON A SMALL-GROUP LUXURY TOUR

P olonnaruwa Temple, Sri Lanka Street in Lisbon, Portugal Wadi Rum Desert, Jordan Lion in the Serengeti , Tanzania

Vietnam

Visiting Vietnam is a feast in every sense. A visual treat, a cultural banquet and a gourmet experience everywhere you go. Visit achingly beautiful Hoi An with its nimble-fingered tailors creating exquisite clothing, its mélange of architecture from cultures past and the serenity of life on the river. Stroll through the Old Quarter in Hanoi, brave the enormity of scale and sea of products at the Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City, be awed at the rice terraces of Mu Cang Chai and in Ha Long Bay, embark on a boat to marvel at the ethereal landscape with its 3,000 islands carved out of limestone.

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Rice terrace in Mu Cang Chai, Vietnam
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Halong Bay, Vietnam

Oh Greece. How we love thee. Greece is a place that really does have something for everyone. Laze on idyllic beaches dotting myriad islands in a Tiffany-hued sea. Feel the touch of the Gods in mystical temples and historic sites like the Acropolis, the astonishing and one of a kind Meteora, the revered island of Delos and at Ancient Olympia. Watch spectacular sunsets from the caldera-top at Oia or Fira on Santorini, and stroll through the ancient site of Akrotiri, a fascinating town buried by volcanic ash and still being uncovered today. Dine on the freshest of seafood, have an ouzo with the locals in local tavernas or fancy cocktails in trendy beach clubs, and ensure your tour has plenty of time in Athens, a vibrant city with a heady mix of the old and the new.

Receive a personalised itinerary from a tour expert

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Acrópolis, Athens, Greece
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Akrotiri, Greece

Doing a safari in the Serengeti is a wild experience. Whether you stay in a mobile camp chasing the circle-of-life magnificence of the Great Migration, or in a luxury lodge with all the trimmings, it is all about the animals. Lions, cheetahs, elephants, warthogs, hyenas, zebras, wild dogs, giraffes, wildebeest, impala, hippos. The list of sightings is endless and the experience is surreal. Do a tour by road to take in the sights and sounds of Tanzania, and maybe venture into Kenya – the Maasai Mara and Serengeti share an invisible border – to witness the glory of Mt Kilimanjaro and neighbouring Amboseli National Park. Learn about the Maasai people and their traditions and explore Nairobi, which has a national park within the city limits in case you want to see even more animals.

The Serengeti, Africa 3

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Maasai people traditional dance Hippo, Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
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Giraffes with Kilimanjaro in the background, Kenya

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Spain & Portugal

Why visit one amazing country when you can visit two? These two gems on the Iberian Peninsula have so much to offer. In Spain, Gaudi’s unfinished masterpiece – La Sagrada Familiar – is cemented in any Barcelona itinerary. Work began way back in 1882 and it is now expected to be finished in 2026, the centenary of Gaudi’s death. Visit the Prado in Madrid, see and be seen in Ibiza, learn flamenco in Seville, gaze in awe at the wondrous Alhambra Palace in Granada, or enjoy the delights of San Sebastián, along with more hidden gems such as Ronda, Albarracín or Agüero.

In Portugal, Lisbon is wall-to-wall colour with its stunning azulejo tiles, the ‘remodelado’ trams, the history of the Belém Quarter and the vibrancy of the Bairro Alto. Unveil the walled town of Obidos, do a river cruise on the Douro from Porto, relax on the Algarve and add on some days to visit the surprising island of Madeira.

Receive a personalised itinerary from a tour expert

Albarracín, Spain La Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain
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Lisbon, Portugal

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Sri Lanka

From its tangled jungles to coastal surf beaches, historic sites from past civilisations, and abundant wildlife, Sri Lanka is a treasure trove to be delicately uncovered. Visit the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya (Lion Rock), and if you are fit enough, climb all the way to the top up the 1200 steps. Marvel at the Dambulla Cave Temple, a sacred pilgrimage site for 22 centuries with five sanctuaries. Admire the giant stupas at Anuradhapura – the first ancient capital – and Polonnaruwa, the second ancient capital with its Sacred Quadrangle. In Kandy, visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Sri Lanka’s most important shrine. Head for the hills to see the tea plantations of Nuwara Eliya, while in Galle watch the locals fishing on stilts.

Sri Lanka also has spectacular national parks including Yala, Wilpattu, Minneriya, Udawalawe and Horton Plains, where the World’s End awaits.

Receive a personalised itinerary from a tour expert

Sigiriya (Lions Rock), Sri Lanka Fisherman in Galle, Sri Lanka
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Dambulla Cave Temple, Sri Lanka

Jordan

Jordan has a lot to thank Steven Spielberg for. Many travellers didn’t know much about this farflung country until Indi’s daredevil actions at Petra in the movie Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.

The remarkable stone face of Al Khazneh (The Treasury) carved into the cliff was – and still is – a major drawcard, along with the rest of this ancient city built by the Nabateans. Petra is not the only highlight of a trip to Jordan. Wadi Rum is an otherworldly place – so much so that it doubled as Mars in Ridley Scott’s The Martian. Many tours give the opportunity to sleep under the stars in the desert sands and learn about the Bedouin tribes that call it home. It is certainly a one of a kind experience. The sleek and modern city of Amman is full of hidden gems, there is a plethora of religious history around Madaba, and floating in the Dead Sea is a must.

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Al Khazneh (The Treasury), Petra, Jordan Camping in the Wada Rum desert, Jordan City of Amman, Jordan

Norway

The natural beauty of Norway is striking. The phenomenal fjords are so majestic that they leave you speechless. Some of the best known fjords are Trollfjord, Geirangerfjord, Sognefjord and Lysefjord – with the dizzying Preikestolen (The Pulpit Rock) lookout far above not for the faint of heart. Cruising through the fjords is sure to be a highlight of any stay. Devour more scenery on the legendary Flåm Railway, a 20-kilometre scenic journey between Flåm and Myrdal and the Bergen Railway, which runs between Bergen and Finse. While in Bergen explore Troldhaugen, the home of composer Edvard Grieg, and catch the Ulriken cable car for amazing vistas. In Oslo visit the new Munch Museum and the National Museum of Norway. Explore the spectacular Lofoten Islands, a string of islands with colourful fishing villages in eye-wateringly beautiful scenery and venture north of the Arctic Circle to Tromsø, the land of the Midnight Sun, which is home to the Arctic Cathedral and where you can seek the Northern Lights.

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Flåm Railway line Arctic Cathedral in Tromsø
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Preikestolen, Norway

With its potpourri of Arabic, Islamic, African and European influences, Morocco captures the imagination of inquisitive travellers. Be captivated by the chaotic and colourful markets with everything from snake charmers to cashmere, with the most famous, being in the labyrinth-like medina of Jemaa el-Fnaa Square in Fes. In Casablanca, stroll the Corniche and be enthralled with the Hassan II Mosque, while in Meknes, turn back the centuries by walking through the Bab el-Mansour, the regal entrance to the imperial city founded in the 11th century. Ride a camel across the ochrered sand dunes of the Sahara, fall in love with the blue walls of Chefchaouen and discover the Atlas Mountains with a stop at the fascinating walled city of Ait Benhaddou on the way.

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Chefchaouen, Morocco Hassan II Mosque, Casablanca, Morocco
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Souks in the medina of Marrakech, Morocco

APT LUXURY TRAVEL

THE POWER OF ONE

From one bus almost a century ago to tours in 70 countries, APT Luxury Travel is still going places.

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Budapest River Cruise

The Kimberley gets under your skin, its spirituality and rugged beauty swirling into your heart with the same intensity as its ochre-red dust finds its way into everything. There are so many exquisite experiences it is impossible to choose a favourite. Soaking in the idyllic clear, palm fringed thermal waters of Zebedee Springs, soaring over the Mitchell Falls in a helicopter and taking in the vastness of the landscape, mesmerised by the colours of the setting sun over the Bungle Bungle Range in Purnululu National Park and bumping down the legendary Gibb River Road to Tunnel Creek and Windjana Gorge. All unforgettable, and all easily done with APT Luxury Travel.

Even staying in one of APT’s exclusive network of wilderness lodges, all perfectly placed for exploring the remote Kimberley region, is a delight. Dine under the stars and stay in private tented cabins with ensuites and hot showers – there is no roughing it here.

APT LUXURY TRAVEL
Cathedral Gorge, Kimberley
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Mitchell Falls Helicopter, Kimberley

ALL IN THE FAMILY

For almost a century, APT has been delivering unforgettable travel experiences to guests. We love that it started out as just one vehicle to transport people during the tram strikes in Melbourne in the 1920s. It went from one bus to two, to 10, and now is Australia’s largest family-owned tour and cruise company, delivering cherished holidays that take in every corner of the globe.

APT Luxury Travel has pioneered a diverse and ever-increasing range of touring and cruising styles and also offers private air tours. Guests can expect timeless luxury, exclusive experiences and life enriching moments, many courtesy of APT’s Tour Directors and Expedition Team members who prove to be almost as popular with guests as the destinations themselves. They are the perfect travel companions, drawing on their wealth of knowledge to ensure the best experience possible.

We love that guests can choose the travel style that best suits them! Some go slow. Some go faster. And sometimes they even mix a travel style or two into the one journey. Cleverly, APT sometimes offers multiple travel styles in the one destination, ensuring the experience is perfectly aligned with why guests want to go, their interests, and fitness level.

STANDOUT: A 98% SATISFACTION RATING

APT offers Luxury Iconic hotels in the very best locations, and include tipping and baggage handling. Signature experiences partnered with the freedom to choose activities in certain locations means you can tailor your journey to what you want. Guests can choose their own restaurants and menu, then bill it back to APT - an added experience that guests love.”

BELINDA MOORE | TRAVEL ASSOCIATES COTTESLOE, WA

APT LUXURY TRAVEL
POPULAR DESTINATION KIMBERLEY APT FACTS
Angkor Wat, Cambodia Lake Moraine, Canada
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ALMOST 100 YEARS IN BUSINESS

KIMBERLEY WILDERNESS ADVENTURES

APT has been exploring the Kimberley for more than 45 years, and has an impressive range of tours on offer, on land and by sea. Journey through rugged landscapes in safety and style aboard their fleet of custom-designed, state-of-the-art 4WD vehicles. At sea, APT offers cruises on ultra-luxe expedition vessels Le Lapérouse or Le Jacques Cartier, which have 92 impeccable staterooms or suites, or Le Soléal, which has 132. Or you can choose to travel on both land and sea. Only with APT can these two travel styles be combined for the ultimate adventure.

On land, travel is in small groups of no more than 22 travellers on your remote journey in the Kimberley,

HIDDEN GEM

accompanied by an expert driver-guide. Tour options range from short threeday tours to 26-day itineraries that run between Darwin and Broome.

Whichever tour you choose – either in The Kimberley, or in Europe, Canada, USA, Egypt, Asia, Africa, South America or Antarctica – we know you’ll be in great hands. APT is a multi-awardwinning tour operator with a 98 per cent customer satisfaction rating. Everything is taken care of so guests can just relax and enjoy the experience.

Uncover more and reveal your exclusive offer from APT

APT’s Signature Experiences are stand-out moments that offer an experience not normally available to independent travellers. These exclusive or unique events deepen the experience, going beneath the surface of local history and natural beauty. An example is discovering the beauty of Mitchell Falls with its tiered waterfalls and Indigenous rock art. Swim in the pools above the falls then take an included helicopter flight over the falls and the surrounding wilderness.

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Bungle Bungle Ranges, Kimberley

Back-Roads

THE ROADS LESS TRAVELLED

Finding hidden gems on our travels can prove to be eye opening, revealing cultural differences and historical facts, giving us a better understanding of the places we visit, the people who live there and their sometimes fractious past.

City Hall and Belfast Eye, Belfast
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One such experience is a Black Taxi Political Murals Tour in Belfast which takes you to sites on both sides of the eight-metre-high Peace Wall, with scribbled messages of peace and hope from people all over the world. Stop at various locations around Shankill Road with its fluttering Union Jacks, and Falls Road, with its memorials and the striking Imagine mural. In between, the automatic gates that were put in place between the two areas, are still closed at night. The tour is absolutely fascinating and sticks in our minds as we explore other delights around vibrant Belfast, including the exceptional Titanic Belfast attraction, Crown Liquor Saloon and venturing further afield taking in Games of Thrones locations and the stupendous Giants Causeway with its Jenga-esque basalt columns.

More

views await on the13-day Back-Roads

‘Emerald Isle’ itinerary, including the charming beauty of the Dingle Peninsula, the Blarney Stone, delightful Dublin and the mighty, rugged Cliffs of Moher in County Clare with a sea of velvet-green topping the cliffs overlooking Galway Bay. Designated as an ‘Area of Natural Beauty’, the moniker doesn’t come close to how beautiful it actually is.

jaw-dropping
BACK-ROADS
Black Taxi Political Murals Tour, Belfast Giants Causeway, Northern Ireland
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Cliffs Of Moher, County Clare

THE BACK-ROADS DIFFERENCE

Like the name suggests, travelling with Back-Roads Touring is taking you off the beaten track, not rushing here and there doing a whistle stop at amazing sights and in exotic cities at a pace that leaves your head spinning. Guests have time to savour the moment, take it all in, and discover a local way of life in the company of a small group of likeminded travellers. Best of all, guests will see each place through the eyes of local people, who know the locations best and are proud to show them off.

BACK-ROAD FACTS

UP TO 18 GROUP SIZE

Travelling in a mini-coach with a small group of up to 18 people, the experience will be more personalised. Large crowds and overpopulated tourist destinations are avoided, with tours taking guests to places where they can delve deeper into what a destination is like, and truly go beneath the surface, discovering fascinating cultures, delicious flavours and exploring new places. Learn traditional crafts and recipes and hear local stories and legends as you venture off the tourist trail and behind the scenes with exclusive local experiences.

30 YEARS IN BUSINESS

“Back-Roads is my preferred touring company for those who love small group experiences. Avoiding highways, large crowds and overpopulated tourist destinations, they focus on authentic and local adventures all via a luxury mini coach. Every client who has experienced them firsthand, has sung their praises to me. Highly Recommended!”

BACK-ROADS
DESTINATIONS SICILY,
Cyclists travel through a village in Portugal
TRENDING
PORTUGAL
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WHERE TO GO

With 30 years’ experience, Back-Roads Touring excels at creating wonderful adventures that customers will remember forever. The itineraries, in the UK, Europe, Asia and North America, give guests the time and space to explore independently, with the perfect blend of time escorted in the group, and wandering on your own. Sample ‘A Taste of the Camino: Porto to Bilbao’ in Portugal and Spain, with the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town of Santiago de Compostela sure to enchant. Spend 10 days discovering the ‘Splendours of Sicily’, seeing historic and scenic locations from the popular The White Lotus series, or dive into the treasures of Greece on the ‘Greece: Legends and Landscapes’ itinerary.

Uncover more and reveal your exclusive offer from Back-Roads

HIDDEN GEM

Back-Roads’ award-winning Europe Tour Leaders play a major role in delivering the ‘Back-Roads Difference’ for guests. They live and breathe the brand essence and do an exceptional job at delivering a unique experience. They take pride in their home country, dine with the group and bring each destination to life.

BACK-ROADS
Naxos, Greece Cefalu, Sicily Isle of Skye, Scotland
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S antiago de Compostela, Spain

Bunnik Tours

GLOBAL CONNECTIONS

To connect with places and cultures while travelling, with passionate and like-minded people, consider Bunnik Tours.

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Dubrovnik, Croatia

Standing atop Bled castle, it is hard to imagine a prettier view. The castle, built in 1004, looks over Lake Bled, with its Tiffany-hued water flanked by lush green forest with an orchestra of birds tweeting their happiness at living here. The clifftop castle, accessed by a stroll up 200 steps, ebike, horsedrawn carriage or car, is the real deal, with slits in the battlements for archers, thick exterior walls and towers to watch out for marauders. The only marauders around Bled these days are tourists, who spend a few happy hours at the castle, stroll around the lake, go for a dip in the clear, clean, fresh water at designated swimming spots, visit the famous Bled Island with its magnificent Church of the Assumption, and devour Bled’s traditional dish – the Bled Cream Cake.

Lake Bled is just one of the intoxicating Slovenian destinations on Bunnik Tours’ 21-day ‘Jewels of Dalmatia’ itinerary, which also uncovers hidden gems and visits the treasures of Montenegro, Croatia, as well as Bosnia and Herzegovina.

BUNNIK TOURS
Lake Bled, Slovenia
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Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

SMALL GROUP TOURS DESIGNED FOR AUSTRALIANS

All Bunnik Tours itineraries are designed specifically for Australians and are only sold in Australia. Bunnik Tours offers a range of different travel styles with a maximum of just 20 people – with even less on the Africa tours (max of 12) and the In-Style (max of 16) itineraries. The In-Style tours have been curated for high-end travellers, and include fivestar accommodation with enhanced touring and sightseeing experiences. For instance, on the ‘Egypt In-Style’ tour guests indulge in a decadent high tea while enjoying spectacular views over the Nile at the Old Cataract Hotel, where Agatha Christie wrote Death on the Nile

A benefit of travelling with Bunnik Tours is the perfect balance between organised sightseeing and free time on their itineraries, as well as special local experiences on each tour. We love that guests spend multiple nights in each place giving clients time to breathe and immerse more fully in the destination. Travel is in spacious, air-conditioned vehicles and there are always plenty of free seats, to give passengers room to spread out, and take in the incredible views.

“Bunnik Tours is an amazing family run business offering small group tours. It’s like travelling with your extended family, from the knowledgeable guides to the skillful drivers. My clients love that special connection the wonderful team at Bunnik Tours has with the destinations they visit, as well as with the guests.”

BUNNIK TOURS
TOURS FACTS 12-20 GROUP SIZE
YEARS IN BUSINESS
STANDOUT: DESIGNED & SOLD IN AUSTRALIA
BUNNIK
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Abu Simbel, Egypt Old Cataract Hotel, Egypt
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PHILIPPA ENRIGHT | DAVIS & JAMES TRAVEL ASSOCIATES, NSW

IMMERSIVE CULTURAL EXPERIENCES

Bunnik Tours launched a new tour in 2020 – ‘Georgia, Armenia & Azerbaijan’, where guests can be immersed in local culture as they connect with locals and venture off the beaten tourist track. The 22-day tour will introduce guests to world-class wine from the Kakheti region in Georgia, they’ll get a real taste of the local traditions and culture at an organic, home-made tea-cream party in Azerbaijan, and learn to make the traditional Armenian thin bread, Lavash. Guests will also partake in a hands-on dumpling masterclass with a local family, indulging in Georgian cuisine.

The tour also takes in Tbilisi with its stunning architecture, as well as the small town of Kazbegi and the resort town of Borjomi, known for its artesian springs.

Tours to Egypt and the Middle East continue to be popular, with Bunnik Tours operating small group tours there for more than 15 years. Portugal and Spain are also hot destinations, with Morocco and Japan gaining in popularity.

Uncover more and reveal your exclusive offer from Bunnik Tours

HIDDEN GEM

The special experiences on Bunnik Tours are interesting and fun and are included on all tours at no extra cost. In Morocco, one of their special experiences is a cooking lesson in a beautiful Moroccan riad, and in Alberobello, Italy, guests stay in a traditional Heritage-listed trullo, unique to the region of Puglia, for two nights.

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Tbilisi, Georgia Chefchaouen, Morocco

Collette

DISCOVER THE COLLETTE DIFFERENCE

From a Jitney bus to Florida to a worldwide range, Collette has been perfecting the details of touring for over a century of travel.

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Grand Canyon, Arizona

Other-worldly is the way to describe Milford Sound, secreted into the wild coastline of Fiordland National Park on New Zealand’s South Island. Rugged peaks soar soldier-straight from the Sound’s perfect mirrored surface, the only ripples on its glossy surface from our boat, and closer to the cliffs, from the cascading waterfalls.

The cruise on Milford Sound is just one of the highlights of the ‘Exploring New Zealand’s Wonders’, a 17-day tour that showcases New Zealand’s finest. Guests will fall in love with the Bay of Islands, be immersed in geothermal springs, marvel at the truly spectacular area around Aoraki / Mount Cook and get active in Queenstown.

This New Zealand tour is just one of Collette’s 160+ tours on seven continents, with more than a century of history going into every tour, every experience and every moment to ensure that each tour is perfect.

We admire Collette for being the longest-running tour operator in North America, and that it is a third-generation family-owned business. Integrity is a big part of the Collette DNA, and apart from running faultless tours and creating wonderful holiday memories, they are dedicated to giving back in local communities through their social responsibility platform.

COLLETTE
Lake Quill, Fiordland, New Zealand
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Waiotapu Geothermal, Rotorua, New Zealand

TRUST IN TRAVEL

Collette is a company travellers can trust; no one can survive and thrive for as long as Collette has without delivering over and over again. Clients love Collette’s included cancel for any reason waiver, the flexible tour pacing, and the range of travel styles. One of the most popular is the Explorations range of tours that is all about small groups – they cater for 14-24 travellers – and wander on the roads less travelled with deep dives into cultural activities, meeting the locals and embracing their traditions. These tours offer boutique accommodation and multi-night stays, with guests participating in hands-on discoveries.

The Spotlights travel style is for quick getaways and city stays, while the Faith itineraries cater for those with an interest in spiritual journeys and history. The Classic tours are for those wanting to tick off all the icons on a limited time frame, while River Cruises in Europe and Egypt provide another perspective.

105 YEARS IN BUSINESS

“I love to recommend Collette to my clients knowing that they offer unique experiences to suit even the most discerning traveller. Specialising in affordable luxury, Collette hand-picks spectacular experiences and arranges all transfers. Gazing at the Northern Lights then swimming in the Blue Lagoon in Iceland, or sipping wine as the sun sets after a safari in Africa are particular highlights.”

COLLETTE
COLLETTE FACTS 14-24 GROUP SIZE
Dürnstein town on the Danube River, Austria Enjoying ice-cream in Tuscany, Italy KAREN EDENBOROUGH | TRAVEL ASSOCIATES BALGOWLAH, NSW
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POPULAR DESTINATIONS IRELAND & JAPAN

ON TOUR

Back in 1918, Jack Collette ran the company’s first tour, a three-week jaunt in a jitney bus from Boston to Florida. Fast forward over 105 years, and Collette have tours almost everywhere. If Japan is on your radar, the ‘Japan: Past and Present’ tour will see guests staying overnight in a monastery on Mount Koya amongst Buddhist monks and meeting Japan’s Ama Pearl divers to learn about their elite profession. We love that this tour also explores the cities of Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, travelling between destinations on the famous bullet train.

Ireland is another popular destination, and we fancy Collette’s ‘Best of Ireland’ tour that will have guests listening to

ancient folklore told by a traditional Irish storyteller and experiencing the mystical landscape of Giant’s Causeway. There is a two-night stay in almost every location on this itinerary, with food and drink playing a merry role. Visit the iconic Bushmills Distillery, do a foodie walking tour of Galway and drink in the breathtaking scenery at the Cliffs of Moher. For those who admired the stark landscapes and seascapes on the new film The Banshees of Inisherin, you can see it for yourself on the ‘Countryside of the Emerald Isle’ small group tour, which includes an overnight stay on the Aran Islands, the setting for the movie.

Uncover more from Collette

HIDDEN GEM

We love that private chauffeur drive service is included on all Collette tours for customers within 40km of an Australian international airport who book their international flights with Collette. A truly luxurious way to begin and end your Collette experience! We also love that Collette’s included Cancellation Waiver assures a full money-back refund (less deposit) for any cancellation up to 24 hours prior to departure.

COLLETTE
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Bullet Train passing Mount Fuji, Japan

STORIES

Ankita with a tour group at the Taj Mahal, India
FROMTHEROAD

The unsung heroes of any tour are the guides who share their knowledge, smooth the path and make a destination shine even brighter for their guests. We spoke to guides from our recommended tour companies to learn about their experiences on the road.

Banff National Park, Alberta Canada Cheetah in the Namib desert
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The Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

INDIAWITHHEART

Ankita has been a guide with Intrepid Travel for five years, and leads tours from Delhi to Kathmandu. She also has led the newly launched Indian Women’s Expedition.

‘People coming to India always say the Taj Mahal is one of the highlights, and deservedly so, but there are other places that really surprise our guests. One such place is Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. When we visit the royal Amber Fort, there are so many colours and forms of architecture – our guests absolutely love it.

‘A good thing about Intrepid’s tours is that they always include a rural element. Even today the majority of people are engaged in farming and their lives are simple. That is becoming a highlight for guests –walking in the village areas, being greeted by the local people who are so friendly. In Bijaipur, we stay in a 500-year-old castle from the royal family of that area. We do a village tour, and the yellow mustard seeds are growing everywhere and the sunlight

bounces off the walls. We visit the homes of local people to see how they live, seeing the cow shelters and people going about their daily chores. It is unexpected for our guests but they say it is so much more meaningful. Our guests also love that Intrepid makes a difference for women, empowering women in tourism – which is very much male-dominated. For instance in Agra – a place where a lot of women cannot go to factories to work due to the gender restrictions, Intrepid brings the loom to their place so they can work at home to make a living for themselves and for their families.

‘Our guests are always surprised and delighted when we visit the holy town of Orchha, home to Raja Ram Temple and the famous Orchha Fort complex on an island on the River Betwa. As for my absolute favourite place, it is Udaipur – the City of Love. Only once you have been there can you fully understand the vibe and beauty of it. The sunsets are quite amazing.’

LOCAL LEADER: ANKITA JAISWAL
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Ankita with a tour group at the Taj Mahal, India Ankita with a tour group

BASKINBASQUE

Lola loves the Easy Pace Spain tour as guests stay three nights in three cities – Barcelona, San Sebastián and Madrid. ‘The pace is more relaxed, so guests have more time to absorb the diversity of colours and flavours of each region we visit,’ Lola said. ‘The Prado Museum [in Madrid] is one of the three most important museums in the world. And it has the greatest collection of masterpieces. Guests are enchanted and tell me that we would need a whole week to visit this. Guests also love the Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim Museum. This really makes an incredible contrast, from the past [The Prado] to the present. Guests just love it. People also love sampling the Basque traditional of pinxtos in San Sebastián. Similar to tapas, this variety of snack-sized treats each has their own regional flavour and presentation. In the small streets dozens of bars display some 20 different treats, some hot and some cold. Here you really get into the feel of Spain. Guests say it is one of the highlights of the tour.’

TRAVEL DIRECTOR, SPAIN: LOLA
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Pinxtos in San Sebastian, Donostia, Spain

STAMPEDETOCANADA

‘Nothing really prepares guests for the majesty of the landscapes on a tour that takes in the sights of British Columbia and Alberta. Guests know what to expect on the two-day Rocky Mountaineer journey from Vancouver to Banff but it still blows their minds seeing the mountains and gorges through the glass domes. The rugged peaks around Banff soaring as if to heaven, leave people struggling to find words to describe them. The look of wonder on their faces always makes me smile. They are also awestruck by the scenery on the Columbia Icefield Parkway, which we see from the Ice Explorer vehicle. Guests love the renowned hotels we stay in, including the fairytale-like Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel and the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, and they are always pleasantly surprised by the beauty of Butchart Gardens in Victoria on Vancouver Island.’

TOUR DIRECTOR, WESTERN CANADA: LYNDA BROWN
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Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Banff, Canada

BEETLEMANIA

Tracey is based in Southern Africa and says that sometimes it is the little things that her guests remember.

‘On the sweaty, dusty road between the red dunes of Sossusvlei and Swakopmund, in the heart of the Namib desert, is the sign for Boesman’s desert camp. ‘Sossuson-foot’ is a desert experience offered by Boesman or Frans. Friendly and animated, Frans shares his stories and knowledge of this ancient and beautiful desert. Hopping from foot to foot, showing how his ancestors hunted for survival, keeps all enthralled. Sharing the wonders of the desert with a smile, he’ll pick up a desert Tenebrionid beetle and explain how in the misty mornings the only source of water for this little guy comes from him doing a headstand on a dune so that the water condensation on his body runs down into his mouth. I love that days later, our travellers are still talking about that experience and it makes me smile.’

CEO, AFRICA: TRACEY HEPPLE Tracey Hepple on tour
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Tenebrionidae beetle in the Namib desert, Africa

STRIKETHERIGHTNOTE

‘You can go travel on your own but to do this job, you soon learn that it is all about the people. Building relationships with them, and getting to hear their stories. That’s what makes me do this over and over again. Every tour, I see travellers nervously enter the welcome briefing and shyly introduce themselves or make their spouse or friend do all the talking. Fast forward two days later and everyone is laughing together over dinner and spending free time together. It makes it hard to say goodbye when the tour comes to an end! There are guests from my first tour 10 years ago that I still keep in touch with. If I can invite people to come and do one tour with me, it would be the America’s Music Cities tour [that goes to Nashville, Memphis and New Orleans].

One wow factor for the guests on that tour is that when they come to New Orleans, we are staying across the street from the French Quarter so they’re getting to walk and experience it. They’re on the streets with the people who live there, experiencing the city the way that they do. Everybody can bond over a love of music.’

TOUR MANAGER: WESLEY GLASS
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Wesley Glass in New Orleans French Quarter, New Orleans

WOWEDBYEGYPT

‘In their mind, everyone has a preconceived view or dream of what Egypt is like before they get there. These generally involve the main sights such as cruising the Nile or standing in front of the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx. However in my 15 years of visiting Egypt with hundreds of Australian travellers it is never the Pyramids that are the highlight. Rather it’s the overwhelming nature of the sheer volume of ancient antiquities. In Egypt there is no filler. Every single day has that wow factor – and often the wow factors happen several times a day. Don’t get me wrong there is something incredible about standing at the base of the Great Pyramid, in the shadow of over 5,000 years of history. However this is something you expect before you go. What you can’t envisage before you arrive and what surprises and touches clients the most are things like their first view of Philae Temple at Aswan. I love seeing the faces of our travellers as they catch their first glimpse of this tranquil oasis in the middle of the Nile – it takes their breath away. As does walking through a forest of 136 giant hieroglyphic trees at Karnak Temple in Luxor. This is literally a giant ancient forest of hieroglyphic trees and every time I walk among them still makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up.’

JOINT CEO: DENNIS BUNNIK Philae temple in Egypt near Aswan
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Dennis Bunnik, Egypt

TOUR LEADER: JEREMY EDWARDS

ACORNISHTALE

‘The ancient granite church of St Senara stands proudly in the tiny village of Zennor, on the rugged Cornish coast midway between St Ives and Land’s End. The present church dates from the 12th century but stands on the site of a sixth-century chapel. Within the church sits a medieval chair with an ornate carving on one side that depicts the legend of The Mermaid of Zennor. The legend tells us that the churchwarden’s son, Matthew Trewhella, was a member of the church choir known for his beautiful singing voice. A mermaid named Morveren heard his pure voice from the sea below the church, and one Sunday she came to the church to listen. She was smitten by Matthew and lured him into the sea at Pendour Cove. Matthew was never seen again, but on warm summer evenings you can hear their voices joined in song from beneath the Atlantic waves. Guests love this tale.’

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Pendour cove from Zennor cliffs Cornwall

Jude says that her job is to deliver people’s dreams. ‘The most rewarding moment is at the end of a cruise when someone comes up and thanks you for the most amazing two weeks of their life. To see the smiles on their faces but also when they are sad to say goodbye to the crew, fellow passengers and to you, that’s when you know it has truly been a memorable and special time on board.

‘My favourite part of the cruise is seeing the faces of guests as they walk out of the Concert at Palais Lichtenstein in Vienna – one of our Signature Experiences. The look of absolute awe, especially for those guests who were hesitant to go. One gentleman, a New Zealand farmer, said he had no plan on going at all, but came and hugged me after with tears in his eyes and thanked me for making him go.’

INTUNE
CRUISE DIRECTOR, EUROPE: J UDE CATHCART
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Vienna City Palace Concert, Austria

G Adventures

ADVENTURES FOR GOOD

Knowing you are travelling on a National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures itinerary, makes the journey even better.

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Elephants cross the road, Kenya

The highlight of the eight-day National Geographic Journeys ‘Kenya Safari Experience’ might not be the hippos lolling about in a waterhole near your room in the Maasai Mara. Nor might it be a leopard strolling by with an epic golden sunset as a backdrop. Could it be the flamingos delicately stepping around on the shores of Lake Nakuru with rhinos grazing over yonder? The elephants enjoying a mud bath right by the truck? The highlight could well be visiting Ubuntu Made and hearing the story of the women and children whose lives have been changed for the better –changed for good.

A stop at Ubuntu Made and its sister. Ubuntu cafe, showcases the work done by the Planeterra Foundation – a non-profit organisation created by G Adventures Both are Planeterra projects. Ubuntu Made employs local women and mothers of children with disabilities. You might speak to someone like Alice, who often went without food before she was taught to sew at Ubuntu Made. Or Josephine and her disabled daughter, who been able to buy their own place to live, thanks to the skills learned at Ubuntu. The quality of the products in the shop is exceptional, from bags and jewellery to beautifully crafted shoes – you can purchase online as well at ubuntu.life. Afterwards, enjoy a delicious, organic farm-to-table lunch at the Café, knowing you are helping to empower women with every bite.

G ADVENTURES
Leopard, Maasai Mara, Kenya Flamingos, Lake Nakuru, Kenya
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Ubuntu Made, Kenya

G ADVENTURES FACTS

12 (MAX) GROUP SIZE

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC JOURNEYS

The Kenya Safari Experience is a good example of the National Geographic Journeys collection with G Adventures created in partnership with National Geographic. These tours are designed to take you deeper into the cultures and habitats of the places visited, offer more inclusions compared to other G Adventures Travel Styles and with rich interactions with local experts. Trips are created to support local communities through using local services, guides, operations and so on, proven through G Adventures Ripple Score. There is also the convenience and security of travelling in a small group with no more than 12 in any group –the Kenya Safari has a maximum of six. The locally based guides, known as Chief Experience Officers (CEOs), add to the enjoyment, with guests always sad to say goodbye.

Other examples of National Geographic Journeys experiences include Iconic Peru, a 14-day itinerary taking in the major sights including Machu Picchu, the Amazon and Lake Titicaca. It includes a traditional Andean Experience in the Sacred Valley of the Inca, where six communities of indigenous people are working together to preserve over 700 species of potato, followed by lunch in Huchuy Qosqo, a small village of 65 families that, with G Adventure’s help, has become a successful farmto-table program boosting the local economy. Morocco, Borneo, India and Nepal, Italy, Israel & Beyond … are just a few of the other options

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“I loved getting off the beaten track with G Adventures, who take you to places you would struggle to find yourself. I loved the immersive itineraries and experiences, the local guides, travelling with like-minded people, and that G Adventures is always giving back to local communities and charities on the ground.”

G ADVENTURES
HIGHLIGHT PREMIUM ITINERARIES KENYA, PERU, MOROCCO POPULAR DESTINATIONS Lion wanders the Maasai Mara, Kenya Sacred Valley of the Inca, Peru
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G FOR GOOD

When you book a tour with G Adventures, it’s not just like booking any other holiday. G for Good represents their company-wide commitment to ‘doing good’ all over the world. This includes projects developed by G Adventures’ nonprofit partner the Planeterra Foundation, industry firsts like their Ripple Score and animal, child and indigenous welfare guidelines, the initiation of the Plastics Partnership Project, and so much more. We love that G Adventures has been a pioneer of community tourism since they started three decades ago, building meaningful relationships with local communities, directly benefiting the people and places they visit including Indigenous peoples, women, youth – anyone who has traditionally been marginalised or undervalued. We agree that there is incredible power in being part of something bigger than yourself.

HIDDEN GEM

Guests of G Adventures often say the highlight of their tour was the unexpected experience, such as visiting a Planeterra Project or interacting with the local community in a project that gives back. Getting people thinking about the impact that their holiday can have on communities is something G Adventures is proud of.

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Taj Mahal, India Baby Orangutan, Borneo Ubuntu Made, Kenya Peru Sacred Valley Womens Weaving Peru

Globus

BREAK AWAY FROM THE ORDINARY

From a single rowboat to a global juggernaut, Globus can show you the world.

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Grand Prismatic Spring,Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming USA

Some travel experiences are so wonderful, that you can conjure them up in your mind, as if you had teleported back in time to that day, that time. My experience in Yellowstone National Park is like that for me. The excitement of seeing black bears wandering the road, a grizzly bear grazing in the afternoon sun, bison, moose and osprey, is palpable. Then there is the landscape, from the striking gorges to the geothermal features Yellowstone is known for. It was all mind-blowingly good.

Yellowstone is the world’s oldest National Park, and is just one element of Globus’ outstanding 15-day ‘Exploring America’s Great Parks’ itinerary. From Las Vegas return, the tour takes in Crazy Horse Memorial and Mount Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota, the wild west town of Deadwood, the achingly beautiful Grand Teton National Park, the mountain town of Jackson, and Salt Lake City.

This is just one of many tours Globus offers in the US, from the music cities of Nashville and New Orleans to the bright lights of New York, Las Vegas, Boston, and Miami and the wilds of Alaska. Some tours combine the US with Canada, and there are numerous tour options showcasing the eyeachingly beautiful scenery of Canada.

GLOBUS
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming USA Mount Rushmore National Park, South Dakota
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New Orleans, Louisiana

FROM SWITZERLAND TO THE WORLD

Globus was founded 95 years ago when a young man named Antonio began taking tourists across Lake Lugano in his rowboat, showing them points of interest and sharing local secrets. That morphed into bus touring in wider Switzerland, then onto Europe, and then the world, with Globus now travelling to 71 countries and offering more than 213 tours across the globe. Just like Antonio all these years ago in Lugano, Globus is still all about curating the perfect tour, with professional Tour Directors and local guides. Uncover more and reveal your exclusive offer from Globus

“I have travelled with Globus both in Europe and in the USA and have found them to be exceptional. The tours were wonderful, and I created fabulous memories. I still share my experiences from my tours with friends and clients.”

GLOBUS
GLOBUS FACTS EXPERT TOUR DIRECTORS & LOCAL GUIDES Group champagne toast 95 YEARS IN BUSINESS
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IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES

TRAVEL STYLES

Globus has a broad portfolio of itineraries including several different travel styles and ways to see the world. Undiscovered tours is an exclusive collection that invites travellers to break free from the beaten path, getting up close to the untouched, unspoiled, and unexpected discoveries that make a holiday shine. Escapes by Globus is a compilation of the best itineraries in Europe, South America, North America and the Middle East. Offered during the low season, guests can experience the world’s most popular destinations for less. Choice touring is a mix of guided tours at the must-see sights, along with Globus’ new YourChoice excursions, so guests can tailor a tour to their own interests. Independence by Globus is as the name suggests, I-opening adventures that can be enjoyed untethered and unscheduled, and without the group. Last but not least, we love the freedom that Globus European Private Tours give, allowing guests to travel with family or friends.

We love that our guests on Globus tours enjoy VIP Sightseeing and access that move them to the front of the queue, and behind the scenes for a more indepth experience. And that every Globus holiday includes Local Favourites, unique insider experiences that guests wouldn’t discover if travelling on their own. Then there is the accommodation – all superior hand-selected hotels that maximise time in the destination.

As for transport, Globus delivers a smooth ride whether on a deluxe touring motorcoach, high-speed and mountain trains, river cruise ships or ferries.

Antonio would be so pleased.

HIDDEN GEM

What really sets Globus apart from the rest is their variety of touring styles. For example, in Italy, all of their travelling styles are offered so passengers and clients can pick and choose the best itinerary to suit their wants and needs without missing out on the must-see attractions or destinations.

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GLOBUS
Algarve, Portugal New York City view

INSIGHT VACATIONS

THE ART OF TRAVELLING IN STYLE

Touring with Insight Vacations helps to Make Travel Matter while experiencing different cultures, experiences and cuisines around the globe.

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Giraldo Square Fountain, Portugal

Walking through the herringbone maze of narrow alleyways in the tiny stone town of Korčula in Croatia is a walk through history. Our guide stopped outside a house and told us that it is believed that Marco Polo was born and lived here, leaving at 17 to travel the Silk Road with his father. It is hard to choose a favourite between Korčula, and our visit to Plitvice National Park which is one of the most beautiful places on the planet. It is the oldest and largest National Park in Croatia, and is covered with lush forest and a system of 16 turquoise lakes that cascade into each other in a series of spectacular waterfalls. Strolling around the boardwalk in this beautiful place is sublime.

Perhaps the most enjoyable and educational moment of Insight Vacations’ ‘Country Roads of Croatia’ itinerary, is the Make Travel Matter experience – one of two in this location. We learned about how this UNESCO World Heritage-listed park is monitored to protect its wondrous habitat, educational initiatives for its marine environment, best practices for a low-impact experience and we loved participating in habitat restoration – a place this special must be protected for future generations.

INSIGHT VACATIONS
KorČula Old Town, Croatia Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia A feast in Ston, Croatia
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St. Anastasia’s Cathedral in Zadar, Croatia

AUTHENTIC INSIGHTS

Over four decades, Insight Vacations has perfected the art of creating handcrafted itineraries that exude quality and experiences that give back, not to mention the incredible service. They take the hassle out of holiday planning making it easy and seamless for guests to just enjoy the experience. We know that guests will stay in fantastic hotels in the best locations, enjoying local and immersive food experiences, and that they will travel in style and comfort on a 40-seat luxury coach with double the legroom. Guests will also be in very good hands with Insight’s wonderful Travel Directors who have the reputation of being some of the best, and friendliest, in the business. There is also a behind-the-scenes support team, who are on hand all day, every day, to assist.

With tours in Europe, UK & Ireland, and North America, Insight Vacations welcomes repeat guests – who love the camaraderie and expertise that come with travelling with Insight Vacations on their award-winning tours – as well as welcoming referred and new customers. Other in demand destinations you can travel to with Insight include Egypt, Morocco, Asia and Latin America.

Uncover more and reveal your exclusive offer from Insight Vacations

“From the knowledge and expertise of our Tour Director to meeting the locals and having a look into their lives, the small surprises along the way, express entry into major attractions and the ease and comfort of travelling in a fully air-conditioned coach with extra legroom and Wi-Fi, truly makes your experience with Insight Vacations unforgettable.”

KARALEE

INSIGHT VACATIONS FACTS 40 GROUP SIZE
HIGHLIGHT: MAKE TRAVEL MATTER EXPERIENCES
INSIGHT VACATIONS
POPULAR DESTINATIONS CROATIA, EGYPT Country roads of southern Italy and Sicily
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Mt Stanserhorn, Switzerland

TRAVEL GOALS

One of many things that guests love about Insight Vacations is the range of Insight experiences. There are more than 100 fascinating and different included experiences to enjoy, that connect with local people to bring each destination to life. In Ston, Croatia, you could meet oyster farmer Tomislav and sample his sea-to-table delicacies straight out of the Adriatic accompanied by a glass of Croatian wine. In Budapest, you could learn the art of strudel making under the tutelage of a top chef at the Strudel House. In Bonnie Scotland, enjoy a leisurely afternoon tea at Ballindalloch Castle in the company of the owners and in Lucerne, ride a 125-year-old funicular and enjoy a gentle hike to the top of

Mount Stanserhorn with an engaging Swiss Ranger.

Then there are the Make Travel Matter experiences, selected with great care to ensure they advance the United Nations Global Goals and positively impact the planet, the people we visit and the wildlife. In Morocco, discover the beauty of Marrakesh on a guided bike tour organised by a company that empowers local youth by promoting education, employment and financial opportunities. This experience advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 1: No Poverty. Other Global Goals include Life Below Water, Quality Education, Responsible Consumption and Production and Sustainable Cities and Communities.

HIDDEN GEM

We love that Insight Vacations’ ethos to ‘Make Travel Matter’ guides their decision making at every level, and that these experiences are included on most of their tours. Many experiences also align with Insight’s values of sustainable tourism. Past travellers are all part of Club Bon Voyage, enjoying exclusive benefits when they choose to travel with Insight Vacations again.

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Ballindalloch Castle Scotland

Intrepid Travel

GOING LOCAL

For small group adventures that create positive change, Intrepid has you covered.

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Rabat, Morocco

The aromas of tagines rich in saffron and argan dance on the breeze along with the teasing scents of spices in the souks. Sounds of Chaabi (folk) and Gnaoua music add an authentic soundtrack, while the silhouette of camels in the desert, lush oases blurring in the distance and the sheer vibrance of Marrakech and Fes, create a breathtaking visual. Morocco really does leave the senses working overtime.

And Intrepid Travel knows Morocco, offering a range of tours up to 24 days long. Their 15-day ‘Premium Morocco in Depth’ trip is a deep-dive into the energetic cities, wild deserts and soaring peaks that are Morocco – all with premium accommodation, premium experiences and premium knowledge.

Guests love the hands-on cooking class with Chef Tarik, a celebrated local chef in Tahanaout. He is known for his healthy Middle Eastern recipes, focus on organic, local produce and authentic flavours. Guests explore his bio-restorative organic kitchen garden, olive grove and orchards, set in a traditional Berber douar, before harvesting ingredients themselves and learning how to make Moroccan delicacies from Chef Tarik.

Uncover more and reveal your exclusive offer from Intrepid Travel

INTREPID
Jemaa el Fnaa market, Marrakech, Morocco
Sahara camel ride, Morocco TRAVELASSOCIATES.COM | 55
Tagine cooking Marrakech, Morocco

INTREPID FACTS

10 (ON AVERAGE) GROUP SIZE

BE INTREPID

Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the globe for over 30 years. That’s three decades of adventures, three decades of looking after travellers and three decades of changing the way people see the world. Itineraries are specifically crafted to include as much time as possible doing local things with local people, like Chef Tarik – not simply ticking boxes and getting from point A to point B. Meeting locals is how you understand a destination. That is the beauty of small group tours with like-minded Intrepid people. We admire Intrepid for being a responsible business, committed to being there for their travellers and the communities they visit. Guests who travel with Intrepid are safe and confident in the knowledge that this is not Intrepid’s first rodeo. They have been there, and done that, with over 950 trips on seven continents, featuring fantastic local leaders everywhere. There is a range of travel styles to choose from with Intrepid Premium the pick of the bunch for discerning travellers. Premium travel is all about exceptional experiences, a higher service level and excellent value. Guests will travel in private or first-class local transport, have perfectly paced itineraries and stay in handpicked accommodation. Other styles include Comfort, Original and Basix. There is also a great collection of family tours.

HIGHLIGHT PREMIUM ITINERARIES

30 YEARS IN BUSINESS

“Intrepid is always my go-to when it comes to touring. Small groups with really immersive itineraries that still have lots of free time. Best of all, I really appreciate Intrepid’s travel ethos. They care about the environment and are invested in the communities they visit, always using local guides.”

PAUL EGAN | EGAN & TURNER TRAVEL ASSOCIATES, QLD

Pyramids in Cairo, Egypt
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Registan Square, Uzbekistan

PEOPLE AND PLANET

Intrepid’s trips allow travellers to make meaningful connections and have a positive impact on the communities they visit. Intrepid also go all out to support First Nations and Indigenous communities, and also support and empower women. We are impressed that as the world’s largest travel B Corp, Intrepid is about balancing profit and purpose, and they certify their commitment to using business as a force for good. They have been

carbon neutral since 2010 and have offset more than 358,000 tonnes of carbon emissions worldwide. And there’s more –Intrepid has identified eight (of the 17) United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to focus on and contribute to, including Gender equality (People: 05). With this goal in mind, Intrepid helps empower women through the creation of jobs and income generating opportunities.

HIDDEN GEM

All of Intrepid’s Premium itineraries include a feature stay in a unique property chosen for historical significance, to showcase the local architectural style or to provide an unusual and exceptional local experience. Imagine sleeping in a converted Madrasah in Uzbekistan, or in a private thatched cabana, surrounded by the Amazon rainforest in the heart of a private ecological reserve.

TRAVELASSOCIATES.COM | 57
INTREPID
Berbers play music, Morocco

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TRAVELASSOCIATES.COM 13 70 71 We do not accept any liability in connection with data corruption, computer virus, delay, interruption, non-delivery, unauthorised access or unauthorised amendment of this email. *Travel restrictions and conditions apply. Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge. Prices shown are for payments made by cash in store. Pricing includes non-refundable Travel Associates Purple Ribbon Concierge Service fees or Booking and Management fees. See a full fee breakdown here - www.travelassociates.com/fees. Please contact your local travel advisor or visit www.travelassociates.com for full terms and conditions.

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