Europe Holidays: A new choice for consumers

Consumers have a new choice for European travel, with the launch of Europe Holidays, a convenient reservations platform that gives travellers easy access to hundreds of escorted tours, cruises and island hopping packages, supported by an expert team 24/7.

Part of Magic Tours International Group, an Australian family owned company with 25 years' experience, which encompasses Select World Travel & Cruise and iFly.net.au, Europe Holidays offers meticulously curated itineraries throughout Europe, the Mediterranean, North Africa and the Middle East.

Managing Director, Chip Popescu, explains the inspiration for the company.

"We have brought together our passion for Europe, our vast real world experience gained through Select World Travel and our online expertise of iFly.net.au, to create the perfect combination that allows consumers the flexibility to book when and where they want, supported by the expertise and destination insights that only a true travel professional can provide," says Popescu.

"Europe Holidays really brings together the best of both worlds – online and offline – for the benefit of our travellers."

The company's signature tours include a 9-day Dalmatian Sunshine itinerary, which has an emphasis on the architectural and historical charms of Croatia, visiting Dubrovnik, Split, Plitvice Lakes, Postojna Cave, Bled, Ljubljana and Zagreb, and an 8-day Venice, Florence and Rome tour that encapsulates the renaissance splendour of the Tuscan capital, Florence, and the region's stunning panorama. It also specialises in Island Hopping arrangements in Croatia, Greece and Spain.

"Our tours provide a balance of expert escorted guidance and free time, providing flexibility to ensure our passengers see the highlights, but can also explore their own interests while travelling through some of Europe's most incredible cities."

To celebrate the company's launch, a competition is offering consumers the chance to win a Cannes & Monte Carlo Film Festival and F1 experience. The $10,000 value prize includes return economy flights for two to Nice, four nights on the French Riviera, the chance to go star spotting in Cannes, tickets to the 2018 Monaco F1 Grand Prix, a Michelin Star meal and a personalised itinerary.

Competition entry is via www.europeholidays.com.au/cannesmonaco..

Europe Holidays is headquartered in Queensland, and is IATA and ATAS accredited.

Kokoda 75th Anniversary Tour without Trekking

Until now, the only way to explore the battlefields of the Kokoda Campaign has been on a gruelling 10-day trek, a challenge that tests the fitness and spirit of all Australians who attempt it. But now, thanks to an innovative new tour designed by historian Mat McLachlan, travellers can visit key sites from this pivotal WWII campaign without the blisters and bruises of a Kokoda trek.

The Kokoda 75th Anniversary Tour -- Without Trekking, is a unique opportunity to visit the hallowed ground of the Kokoda Track with ease and in comfort -- without the need to pull on the hiking boots! This is the perfect opportunity to pay your respects to the 2000 Australians who were killed or wounded in this bloody campaign, and to walk in the footsteps of a relative who fought in one of the most famous Australian battles of all time.

Beginning in Port Moresby, the tour visits key WWII sites by air-conditioned vehicle, including Bomana War Cemetery, the largest Australian military cemetery in the world, and Ower's Corner, which marks the beginning of the Kokoda Track. From there the tour will fly by chartered plane to the village of Kokoda, enjoying magnificent views of the Kokoda Track en-route. At Kokoda the group will explore the scenes of some of the toughest fights of the Kokoda Campaign, and commemorate the 75th anniversary of the recapture of Kokoda by Australian troops with a flag-raising ceremony. The tour then visits the villages of Buna, Gona and Sanananda, scenes of heavy fighting during the Beachhead battles, which marked the end of the Kokoda Campaign.

"We are delighted to offer our clients the chance to visit the Kokoda battlefields without trekking, and to see these iconic sites which, until now, have been virtually inaccessible for most Australians," said Mat McLachlan, founder of Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours.

The Kokoda 75th Anniversary Tour -- Without Trekking, begins in Port Moresby on Oct 31, 2017, and runs for 7 days. Cost is AU$4397 per person (twin share, land only), and includes all accommodation, transport, guiding services by expert war historian and most meals.

For more information or to arrange an interview with Mat McLachlan, visit http://www.battlefields.com.au, or contact the team at info@battlefields.com.au or phone 1300-880-340.

Norfolk Island Country Music Festival 2017

Top Australian and New Zealand artists will once again be drawn together for the annual Norfolk Island Country Music Festival which is happening from 15 – 19 May.

The Festival this year celebrates 25 years of honouring new and established talent from both sides of the Tasman during the week-long line-up of activities at this popular short-haul holiday destination.

Headlining the Festival from Australia will be Shane Nicholson, who first made waves with rock band, Pretty Violet Stain, before releasing his debut solo album, It's a Movie in 2002. Shane has gone on to explore everything from folk to country music, picking up eight Golden Guitars, two APRA awards and two ARIA awards along the way.

Jody Direen will be the headline act from New Zealand showcasing her amazing vocal talent, gifted song writing skills and powerful stage presence. Jody's popularity has crossed international borders leading her on an epic journey to Nashville, Tennessee – and now Norfolk Island.

Also appearing from Australia are songwriter and former McAlister Kemp mainstay, Drew McAlister and country music duo, Warren H Williams and Dani Young, whose album Desert Water debuted at #2 on the ARIA Country Albums Chart and lead single, Two Ships, spent six weeks at #1 on Tamworth Country Radio.

From New Zealand, Midnite Special featuring Michelle Lightband, Lex Greaves and Rob Katipa Jnr, will be on board, along with Kelvin Cummings, New Zealand Gold Guitar winner and Trans-Tasman Entertainer of the Year at last year's Festival.

The Norfolk Island Travel Centre has announced a special 7-night Norfolk Island Country Music Festival package which includes a bonus Norfolk Island discount shopping card with free gift (valued at $40) and the following:

· 7 nights' accommodation
· Return economy class 'seat plus bag' Air New Zealand airfare to Norfolk Island
· All pre-paid airline taxes
· Arrival meet and greet at island airport
· Return airport transfers on-island
· 7 days' car hire (petrol additional and payable direct)
· Half-day island tour
· Miniature golf
· 'A Walk in the Wild' rainforest walk

This package is priced from $1199 per person twin share ex-Sydney for travel 12 - 19 May 2017 and from $1169 per person twin share ex-Brisbane for travel 16 - 23 May 2017.

Platinum and gold passes to the Festival events are available at a cost of $545 and $380 respectively for travel 12-19 May 2017 or $410 and $325 respectively for travel 16-23 May 2017.

For bookings, contact Christan Davies at Norfolk Island Travel Centre on
Toll Free 1800 1400 66 or christan@travelcentre.nf or www.norfolkislandcentre.com and quote Booking Code CM17.

www.norfolkisland.com.au

Raging Thunder launches Cairns Hot-Air Balloon Co

Raging Thunder Adventures has rebranded its ballooning experience as Cairns Hot-Air Balloon Co to tap into the growing number of international travellers booking directly online.

Skydive the Beach Director Anthony Boucat, whose Wollongong-based ASX company purchased Raging Thunder Adventures in October 2016, said Cairns Hot-Air Balloon Co would continue to deliver the incredible experience of floating over Mareeba and its farmlands at dawn.

"The number of independent travellers wanting to go ballooning is growing, and research shows our new brand will perform better in the digital market as well as aligning with the international destination marketing of Cairns & Great Barrier Reef," he said.

"Raging Thunder Adventures has a proud history in Mareeba having pioneered ballooning in the Mareeba Valley in 1993, taking around 16,000 people a year safely on the surreal experience of floating in a basket.

"We currently have 14 staff based in Mareeba, including our Chief Pilot Steve Hawke, who has been flying for Raging Thunder for 24 years."

Mr Hawke said Mareeba was highly regarded as one of the best places in the world for reliable ballooning weather.

"Mareeba locals claim they enjoy more than 300 sunny days a year, and the Valley has calm early morning conditions so we can fly year-round," he said.

"Our guests watch the glow of the hot air balloons being inflated in the dark, and they slowly ascend as high as 4,500 feet above sea level as the sun rises and the twinkling lights of Mareeba go out.

"Every flight is different, whether it is the colour of the sunrise, the opportunity to float among clouds, or a bird's-eye view of wallabies grazing alongside neatly ploughed paddocks."

Mr Hawke and his family have a long history of employment with Raging Thunder, including his brother Dave, who has been a pilot with the company for 14 years.

"We train our pilots in-house, which gives our local employees a career path. Just last year, Leif Inglis, who has worked with Raging Thunder for more than 15 years, graduated as a commercial balloon pilot," he said.

"Raging Thunder has made a valuable contribution to the community over the past 24 years by providing employment, using local suppliers where possible, and supporting a range of local charities, schools and fundraisers."

For more information and to book, go to www.cairnshotairballoon.com.au 

Caption: Cairns Hot-Air Balloon Co Chief Pilot Steve Hawke has been flying visitors over the Mareeba Valley for 24 years. 

Queensland's Mary Valley historic ‘Rattler’ to get back on the rails

The lush farmlands of the Mary Valley will once again resound to the rhythmic chug of steam trains following the Queensland Government's announcement of a major grant to help get the historic Mary Valley 'Rattler' back on the rails.

The Rattler was thrown a lifeline when the Queensland Government announced the Mary Valley Rattler Project as a successful project for the Palaszczuk Government's Works for Queensland funding.

The $4 million grant is aimed at reviving the popular tourism attraction, which stopped services in 2012, due to the need for significant investment in upgrading the line. A further funding commitment of $600,000 was announced for the construction of a River to Rail recreation train on the Mary River including construction of pathways, viewing decks and signage.

The historic 40 km Mary Valley journey commences at Gympie, and after crossing the Mary River, negotiates an abundance of curves, gradients and bridges to pass through the small country villages of Dagun, Amamoor and Kandanga to Imbil. The railway line and Gympie station date back to pre-1880,

Gympie Regional Council Mayor Mick Curran said in response to the announcement: "In the immortal word of Johnny Cash 'I hear the train a coming'...and it's a sweet sound.

"We have been working closely with the Queensland Government and the Rattler Rail Company Board to get this project on track and we are delighted, as I know the community will be, with the announcement."

"Stage one of the project will include getting the Mary Valley Rattler up and running and commercially successful from Gympie to Amamoor and vice versa. We will then explore the feasibility of the train continuing to Imbil for stage two," said Mayor Curran.

Visit Sunshine Coast CEO Simon Latchford said that the funding commitment would help put the Sunshine Coast's Mary Valley back on the tourism map.

"This is one of the most beautiful parts of Queensland, with rich landscapes, outstanding food producers and historic towns, and having a tourist drawcard such as the 'Rattler' will provide major tourism impetus for the area," said Mr Latchford.

"The aim of the project is to give people easier and better access to the region, which offers so many ecologically rich experiences. It will help reconnect people to a hidden gem".

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Japan attracting avid rail travellers

Rail Plus has reported that Japan is one of the hottest destinations for rail travellers from Australia and New Zealand.

Already recording a 10% YOY increase in sales this year, the rail provider claims the busiest period for Japan rail travel is between December and April during the winter months and Sakura (Cherry Blossom) season.

Commercial Director of Rail Plus, Ingrid Kocijan, says while Japan's rail network has a solid reputation of being one of the world's safest and most punctual, naturally becoming an essential experience to any visit to the country, increased accessibility to and around Japan also plays a large part in the steady growth in visitor numbers.

"Japan has always been a fascinating country for many Australian and New Zealand travellers thanks to the country's spectacular mix of culture, ancient traditions, cutting-edge technology, infrastructure, quirks and
cuisine among other interests," says Kocijan.

"With more affordable and frequent flight options made available complemented by lower rail travel costs, there is no doubt we'll continue to see the numbers grow in healthy double digits."

According to Kocijan, more and more travellers are also appreciating and enjoying the bonuses and savings afforded by Japan Rail Passes. They include free seat reservations, outstanding on-board services and facilities, the free use of certain bus lines, ferries and airport trains, as well as free entry to popular attractions such as Tokyo Tower, Mt Fuji and Himeji Castle among many others.

Rail Plus currently offers the lowest prices for Japan Rail Passes in Australia and New Zealand, with the 7-day consecutive pass starting at $178 for children under 11 and $355 for adults. Passes are valid for non-Japanese
residents and must be obtained before travelling to Japan.

Girl power: How to plan your ultimate girls' trip to Canada

From yoga groups to high octane adventure-seekers, like-minded women are increasingly choosing Canada for their ultimate girls' trip.

With Canada celebrating its 150th birthday throughout 2017, there's never been a better time for hard-working Aussie women to get away from it all and experience something completely different, from eclectic cities to bountiful wilderness.

"We know that group trips for women are on the rise, whether they're choosing to travel independently or as part of an organised tour," says Donna Campbell, Managing Director, Destination Canada GSA.

"Women who share a passion, such as hiking, biking, or even food, are keen to explore Canada's diverse landscapes and world-class cities – and leave the boys at home!"

Here are five unforgettable ways to spend quality time with your girlfriends:

Rejuvenate the body and soul at the newly opened Le Monastere des Augustines wellness sanctuary. Steeped in history, this boutique hotel in the heart of Quebec City preserves the spirit of the Augustine Sisters that resided there as far back as the 1600s. Taste your way through Old Quebec with a walking Quebec City Food Tour, where you'll sample both traditional and modern cuisine, and learn what it truly means to be Québécois.

Strike a pose in Ottawa! Bring a mat and your girlfriends for a vigorous outdoor yoga class on Parliament Hill in Canada's capital city. Classes run each Wednesday at noon from May to September on the grassy lawns, and best of all, they're free of charge. Ottawa is the nation's party central throughout 2017 as the country celebrates its 150th year since Confederation. Visit with your gal pals during July and participate in the first ever Interprovincial Picnic on the Alexandra Bridge. Relax on the lush grass and soak up the majestic views of the Ottawa River. 

Hike some of Canada's most incredible national parks, surrounded by a group of adventure-loving women with World Expeditions new Women's High Trails of the Canadian Rockies tour. Explore four national parks, stunning peaks, and glaciers in Alberta, including heli-hiking at Mt Assiniboine, discovering the red rock canyons at Waterton Lakes National Park. Click here to find out more about this 15-day adventure. Remember, Parks Canada is offering FREE entry into all National Parks and Historic Sites for the duration of 2017.

Take a road trip through eastern Canada's Maritime provinces, Thelma & Louise style! Start in Nova Scotia where quiet roads wind along a stunning rocky coastline, adorned with lonely lighthouses and artisan villages. Cross through the Annapolis Valley, with its abundant wineries and farms, and cross the provincial border to New Brunswick, where you'll experience the highest tides in the world, phenomenal whale watching and some of the best hiking in Canada, along the Fundy Trail. Finally, make your way to Prince Edward Island, an island playground of rolling hills, incredible seafood, a thriving arts scene, and, of course, Cavendish, where Lucy Montgomery famously created the stories of beloved 'Anne of Green Gables'.

Live it up in Toronto! Canada's largest city is a dynamic medley of cultures, guaranteeing a girls' trip full of cosmopolitan art, fascinating neighbourhoods, designer and vintage shopping, and a world-renowned food scene. Enjoy lunch at dining hot-spot FRANK, within the walls of the Art Gallery of Ontario, or spend the day shopping on Queen Street, Yorkville, and Kensington Markets. When night falls, hit the chic Cibo Wine Bar, an industrial uptown bar, serving vino from nearby Niagara wineries. 

GETTING THERE

Air Canada flies daily from Sydney and Brisbane direct to Vancouver. Qantas flies direct from Sydney to Vancouver during select times of the year. Services are also available through Virgin, Delta, United and Air New Zealand.

Visit www.keepexploring.com.au