Jetsettersblog

Visiting the Falklands via cruise ship or expedition vessel allows passengers unrivalled access to penguins, the rare black-browed albatross and elephant seals, among hundreds of other species that reside on the 770-plus islands that make up the Falklands archipelago.

The Falklands is becoming an increasingly popular port of call, particularly as part of a wider South America or Antarctica voyage.

Fantastic savings and complimentary value adds!

Save £1,000 and follow ‘In The Wake Of Shackleton’ with Noble Caledonia (020 7752 0000, www.noble-caledonia.co.uk)  on its 22-day voyage onboard MS Expedition.

Prices (before discount) start from £5,995 per person, based on double occupancy, departs on 9 February 2010 from the Argentinean port of Ushuaia.

This exceptional expedition voyage includes two days in the Falkland Islands exploring white sandy beaches and privately owned islands via zodiac followed by eight days in South Georgia plus an additional day in the West Falklands on return to Ushuaia. Book now – discount is only valid on bookings made by 30 November 2009.

Book any Exodus Polar Expedition to the Falklands before 31 December 2009 and receive a FREE pair of Opticron Countryman Binoculars worth £250! Exodus (0845 863 9601, www.exodus.co.uk)  offers twenty itineraries featuring the Falklands in its new 2010/2011 Polar Expeditions brochure out this September, in association with Quark Expeditions.

Enjoy the antics of the rockhopper and Magellanic penguins on a 20-day Antarctica, Falklands and South Georgia voyage from £6,549 per person (land only) departing from Ushuaia on 30 November 2009.

The Falklands has real ‘Star’ quality

Visitors can take a giant leap to the Falklands with legendary astronaut Neil Armstrong who leads a 26-day voyage of discovery to the Falklands and Antarctica with Titan Travel’s ‘National Geographic Journeys By Sea’ (0800 988 5175, www.ngjourneys.co.uk ), departing 15 November. Prices start from £8,998 per person, based on double occupancy.

Join world renowned sea bird expert Graham Roberton (Australian Antarctic Division) and a team of expert photographers on a special voyage visiting the Falklands this November with Peregrine (0844 736 0170, www.peregrineadventures.com ). Departing 6 November 2009, the 24-night voyage visits Steeple Jason, Sea Lion and Bleaker Islands as well as Carcass Island, Saunders Island and the capital Stanley.

Prices start from £6,250 per person. Passengers booking before the end of September also have the chance to win Leica equipment!

West Point Island and Saunders Island are the most popular islands in the Falklands archipelago visited by cruise ship passengers outside Stanley, while the most popular trips from the capital are to Gypsy Cove and Bluff Cove, where a brand NEW Museum is about to open providing a fascinating insight into Falklands heritage and local ship wrecks.

Also NEW for the 2009-2010 cruise season is the installation of a wave barrier on the jetty, a new pontoon, a new ramp giving access to the pontoon, plus a shelter for awaiting cruise passengers.

Over 35 cruise operators feature the Falkland Islands. A full list of operators is available on the tourist board website at www.falklandislands.com

The UK’s leading guided walking holidays’ operator, Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, is offering a week’s tour of Grazalema, Andalucia – a jewel in its own natural park surrounded by beautiful mountains and rolling sierras – one of the most ecologically important in Spain.

The Parque Natural provides a wealth of walking opportunities which span everything from limestone peaks, verdant mountain pastures and mountain villages like, Benaocaz and Benamahoma.

Highlights include, walks to the Sierra del Pinar with its rare Pinsapo pines and ‘Goatherd’s Leap’ – home to many birds of prey.

Also included is a visit to Ronda with its spectacular gorge and old Moorish town.

Price for one week from £648 includes return flights, transfers, half board accommodation and the services of a tour leader.

www.ramblersholidays.co.uk  01707 33 11 33

“This is a great little bonus for our customers, especially those visiting Copenhagen during December, with incredible access to the many attractions of Copenhagen, including the famous Tivoli, which is a magical place to visit any time of year, but particularly so during the festive
season when there are many wonderful Christmas activities to experience” General Manager Scandinavian Airlines Australia and New Zealand Lars Olofsson said.

“It is also a perfect complement to our special Economy and Business class European fares that are now in the market place, in celebration of 25 years in Australia -” Olofsson said. “

The free Copenhagen Card, offer is valid in conjunction with travel on SAS to Europe and includes:

*Free admission to more than 60 museums and attractions all over the Greater Copenhagen
Region including free entrance to the famous Tivoli;

*Free transport by train, bus and metro;
*Discounts on restaurants, car hire and admission to many attractions and activities;

*Comprehensive guide in English with detailed information on attractions, activities and
discounts –and city maps.

* Up to 2 child cards (for children under the age of 9) are allowed with each adult card.

For sale until Nov 30 2009, for departures through to Sept 30 2010, the special business class fare is priced from $4,879* ex Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth, via Bangkok, to over 40 European destinations including Stockholm, Oslo, and Helsinki via SAS’ main hub of Copenhagen.

The special economy class fare of $1,669* is available for travel via Bangkok or Tokyo and includes departures ex Cairns.

“Combined with our bargain airfares, it means excellent value for travellers – singles, couples, families – and provides yet another reason to include Copenhagen in your itinerary, if your heading to Europe before the end of the year,” Olofsson said.

* including all taxes and surcharges based on Sydney – Copenhagen return.

For more information visit www.flysas.com.au or call 1300 727 707.

For information on Scandinavia go to

www.visitscandinavia.com.au

The UK’s leading guided walking holidays’ operator, Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, is offering a 19 day adventure, combining vibrant Ecuador, with a cruise around and stay on the amazing Galápagos Islands much in focus in this celebratory year of Darwin’s monumental discoveries.

This fascinating journey begins in Ecuador’s Quito, where one can explore the old colonial centre and visit La Mitad del Mundo – the site where the location of the equator was measured.

From Quito, one continues north to Otovalo to visit the Indian market and walk the beautiful countryside around Laguna Cuilocha.

Descending into the Amazon basin, one is struck by the diverse flora and fauna of the region. Continuing to Riobamba, one takes the train down the ‘Devil’s Nose’, visits the Cotopaxi National Park and Walks on the highest active volcano in the world.

From Quito, one flies out to join the three night Galápagos cruise which sails amongst isolated volcanic islands – each a unique biological haven. One then spends two nights on the Galápagos island of Santa Cruz walking through arid vegetation.

Finally, its onto Guayaquil en route to colonial Cuenca for a walking tour of the old town, lakes and ponds of the spectacular Cajas National Park.

Price for 19 days £3,299 per person includes return flights, half board accommodation in hotels, full board accommodation on the Galápagos cruise and the services of a tour leader.

www.ramblersholidays.co.uk  01707 33 11 33

For further information please contact grahamross1@btconnect.com  01255 670661

Rotana introduces its modern, stylish and affordable business hotel brand

Rotana, the leading hotel management company in the Middle East and North Africa, has announced the opening of the first two ‘Centro Hotels by Rotana’ in October 2009 – Centro Yas Island in Abu Dhabi and Centro Barsha in Dubai.

Centro Yas Island, Abu Dhabi adjoins with the Yas Island Rotana hotel, allowing guests to share both hotels’ deluxe facilities.

The three-star property comprises 259 rooms and is centrally located within the southern district of the spectacular Yas Island, just a few moments away from the Formula 1 Race Track and The Links Golf Course.

Centro Barsha, Dubai is conveniently located close to the business districts of Media City and Internet City. The three-star hotel features 246 rooms and is also in close proximity to the commercial areas of Sheikh Zayed road and the Dubai Financial Centre.

“We are extremely thrilled about the opening of the first two properties under our exciting new ‘Centro Hotels by Rotana’ brand, which will certainly meet the demands of a new generation of traveller, seeking finesse and functionality at reasonable rates,” commented Selim El Zyr, President & CEO of Rotana.

Conceived by Rotana and designed by LWD, ‘Centro Hotels by Rotana’ signals the start of a bold new genre of hospitality. Centro is a contemporary concept that brings a young, fresh and dynamic environment to low cost business travel.

Business travel and accommodation for the budget conscious executive is an increasingly important market in the Middle East and the ‘Centro Hotels by Rotana’ concept is specifically designed to cater to this rapidly expanding market. Appealing to large corporate entities, small and medium business owners, and individual travellers, ‘Centro Hotels by Rotana’ is stylish, chic and affordable business hotel brand.

“We are redefining the conventional concept of economical comfort and offering affordable superior class accommodation and hospitality” comments El Zyr.

Centro Yas Island Abu Dhabi and Centro Barsha Dubai will feature amenities specifically geared to the needs of the travelling executive including well appointed executive centre, meeting rooms, gymnasium and a swimming pool. This is in addition to ‘C.Taste’ restaurant, ‘C.Mondo’ beverage and snack bar and ‘C.Deli’, an innovative deli take-away concept.

Rotana is working towards the opening of 25 ‘Centro Hotels by Rotana’ properties across the Middle East by 2014, introducing a unique out-of-the-box solution for the mid-tier market.

For more information, go to www.rotana.com

The beautiful small town of Flåm is situated in the innermost part of the Aurlandsfjord, a tributary of the magnificent Sognefjord.

With steep mountainsides, roaring waterfalls and deep valleys, it is a paradise for anyone looking for a one-of-a-kind experience with nature. From Flåm Harbour it is only a short walk to a trip on the famous Flåm Railway, or to one of Fjord Norway’s long-established hotels.

The Flåm Railway is unparalleled in Europe.

The track runs 20km from fjord to high mountains, with a height difference of nearly 900m.

The trains have large windows to provide excellent viewing and are traditionally designed.

The nearby Fretheim Hotel is one of the most distinctive hotels in Fjord Norway.

The hotel is situated close to Flåm train station and the quay area.

With its warm atmosphere, long tradition and exciting interior, the property welcomes guests all year round. How to book: Available through Nordic Exposed wholesalers or retail travel agencies or

visit www.visitflam.com  &

www.flaamsbana.no

Open: From mid January to end of December

The 4 star Hotel Union Geiranger is located in Geiranger village by the world heritage site of Nature Geirangerfjord and close to the city centre of Geiranger and the ferry terminal. It has 197 rooms and 380 beds and all rooms include baths, twin beds, cable TV, minibar, telephone and fjord or mountain views.

There are 3 restaurants, 3 bars and 1 nightclub. Recently new deluxe hotel rooms, junior suites, Spa suites and a new Bath & Spa department were added. Facilities include a large indoor swimming pool, separate children’s pool area, finish sauna, a large outdoor wellness pool, solarium and Fitness Centre.

New for 2010 World Heritage Information Centre with information on the Western Fjords World Heritage areas.

The property also offers a wide range all year round hiking trips with and without guide, fitness outdoor training, Nordic walking, kayaking, fjord trips and local food experiences.
How to book: Available through: Available through Nordic Exposed wholesalers or retail travel agencies or visit www.hotel-union.no

Academy Travel – specialists in small group cultural travel – will start 2010 with a tour that is designed for both first time visitors to Egypt and those wanting to learn about Egypt’s most renowned figures and sites.

The carefully planned 17-day tour of ancient Egypt includes some of the leading sites such as the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx, the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Nobles and Luxor. More importantly it will focus on the most recognised of all Egyptian Royalty, Queen Nefertiti, wife, mother, Priestess Queen, Goddess and Pharaoh and stepmother to the legendary boy king – Tutankhamun.

Other highlights include two days exploring Amarna-period sites near Minya, rarely visited on tours; a four-day cruise up the Nile from Luxor to Aswan, visiting diverse sites en route and two days to explore Aswan. The itinerary moves at a relaxed pace with mainly three night stops.

Academy Travel’s tour leader Cathy Campbell, holds a Masters Degree in Egyptology from Macquarie University where she is also an adjunct lecturer. Her special interests are in Egyptian Art, Egyptian Religion and the New Kingdom with emphasis on the 18th century Dynasty and Amarna Period.

Dates set for the tour are from January 5th to 23rd January. Land content price is $6,500 per person, twin share, with carefully chosen accommodation throughout the tour. Suggested airfare is $2,297 return economy class including taxes and surcharges.

To view the full itinerary or to book a tour with Academy Travel, visit www.academytravel.com.au

The Melbourne Cup is more than just a horse race, it is an Australian tradition that brings the country to a standstill. Be part of all the excitement, the glamour and the thrill of the race that stops the nation with two magnificent venues at your ultimate beachfront location, Shoal Bay Resort & Spa on Tuesday 3rd November.

Catch at Shoal Bay will be hosting a three course a la carte lunch menu at just $75 per person including complimentary sparkling wine on arrival. Take in the breathtaking views across Shoal Bay, a perfect venue to bring corporate clients or a perfect excuse to spoil yourself to an elegant afternoon in an award winning restaurant.

The iconic Promenade Dining Room will once again host their popular deluxe seafood buffet at just $65 per person, serving the very best in fresh local produce and also a complimentary glass of sparkling wine.

Both beachfront venues will provide live coverage of the race, fashion parades, lucky door prizes including indulgent Aqua Spa vouchers and unique dining experiences at Shoal Bay Resort & Spa, sweepstakes, raffles and fantastic prizes for best dressed and best hat of the day so be sure to dress to impress! All proceeds from the day will proudly be supporting the Cancer Council.

Take advantage of the Aqua Day Spa’s November Midweek special which includes a full body scrub and full body tan for just $55, normally valued at $80*. The naturally organic “Naked Tan” is the world’s first two hour ‘wash and wear’ spray tanning solution made from all natural ingredients to produce the most natural timeless spray tan possible in just two hours. The body scrub contains a range of organic body care products that combine the purest plant extracts and ingredients, designed to deliver premium care for your skin with moisture and nourishment.

Look picture perfect with mini-makeovers available in the Aqua Day Spa between 8.00am and midday on Melbourne Cup Day for just $20! Let the team of professional beauty therapists have you heading off to enjoy lunch at the Resort looking fresh, fabulous and ready for an exciting afternoon ahead.

Bookings are essential for both the November Midweek spray tan special and the Melbourne Cup mini-makeovers, call today on 4984 8194 to avoid disappointment.

Need something new to wear? All confirmed bookings will receive a $10 voucher to the Shoal Bay Resort Shop (valid on purchases of $65 or more). Call in to see our range of stunning hats and dresses to make this a Melbourne Cup day to remember.

Make a night of it with our Friends Escape Package from just $62 per person per night quad share (terms and conditions apply). This exciting offer includes:-

o 1 nights accommodation in a shared Zenith Studio apartment

o Full hot and cold buffet breakfast

o Complimentary use of the unique Aqua Spa thalassotherapy experience, heated indoor lap pool and fully equipped gymnasium (min 16 years)

o Complimentary secure undercover parking

Bookings essential, call today on 1800 18 18 10.

Lady Elliot goes greener
Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort has become one of the first island resorts in Australia to move almost entirely to renewable energy, dramatically reducing its carbon footprint and lowering dangerous risk to marine life.

The Great Barrier Reef island resort has reduced its diesel consumption and carbon emissions by at least 75 per cent since 2005 through a combination of activities including solar and gas technology, water desalination and most recently a new three-phase solar hybrid power station.

The station is the largest privately-owned, off-grid three-phase solar hybrid powered island system in Queensland and it is management’s aim to eventually run the entire resort on solar power.

The resort has also achieved an Advanced Ecotourism certificate from Ecotourism Australia. www.ladyelliot.com.au