Jetsettersblog

Peregrine will venture into Greece and ‘Green’ Spain for the first time in its European Program for 2009. To launch the 2009-10 Europe brochure, covering walking, cycling and cultural adventures across Eastern and Western Europe, Peregrine is offering an Early Bird discount of 10 per cent off the tour price for all new bookings made and deposited by December 12, 2008.

The eight-day Highlights of Greece tour follows in the fabled footsteps of ancient gods and mortals – from Zeus to Aristotle. It explores the historic sites of mainland Greece, from the Acropolis in Athens to ancient Olympia, home of the gods and the first Olympic Games. It visits the gravity-defying mountain-top monasteries of Meteora, built by hermit monks in the 14th century, and the Oracle of Delphi, proclaimed by Zeus as the centre of the world. In the Peloponnese Peninsula, there are two relaxing days in the medieval village of Dimitsana, the base for exploring the Lousios Valley – one of the most beautiful in Arcadia - before returning via Mycenae to Athens.

Prices for Highlights of Greece start at AUD$2750 per person, twin share, land only and include a local tour leader, accommodation, breakfasts, transport and entrance fees. There are regular departures between May and September and the trip can be combined with the eight-day Crete and Santorini Explorer (AUD$2675 per person).

Peregrine has also introduced new tours in Spain, from ‘Green’ Spain in the north to the mountainous Pyrenees separating Spain from France, and a combination Spain-Morocco trip.

The eight-day Green Spain & the Pilgrims’ Way begins in contemporary Bilbao, then detours to explore the deep forests, mountains and tiny fishing hamlets of the north western corner of Spain. There are gentle walks in the Picos de Europa National Park and along parts of the renowned Primitivo pilgrim route. There’s time to wander the cobbled streets of the brightly-painted villages along the Cabo de Peñas coast – and to sample the local produce. The journey ends in Santiago de Compostela, site of the Catedral de Santiago – the centuries-old destination for pilgrims from across Europe and the world.

Prices for Green Spain & the Pilgrims’ Way start at AUD$3195 per person twin share and include a local tour leader, accommodation, breakfasts, transport and entrance fees. There are five departures from Bilbao between May and September, 2009.

For more information contact your travel agent or Peregrine Adventures on 1300 854 500 or visit www.peregrineadventures.com

Behind this secret curtain, nature has flourished, resulting in a vast and pristine wilderness described by Lonely Planet as ‘one of the world’s most beautiful regions’.

Fire-spitting volcanoes cloaked in ice dominate the landscape; remote indigenous tribes live as they have done for centuries, while rivers filled with salmon attract the highest concentration of brown bears on the planet. Teeming with an astounding diversity of wildlife including whales, sea lions, otters and birds, against a backdrop of wildflower-filled meadows, verdant valleys and towering mountain ranges - the Russian Far East is an adventure lover’s dream.

Australian-owned expedition cruising company, Aurora Expeditions, invites you to uncover the majesty and mystery of this remarkable region on one of its three voyages departing in 2009.

Travelling aboard the ice-strengthened 100-passenger Marina Svetaeva, the three expeditions will explore secluded islands and sites that would be impossible by any means other than by ship.

The 14-day ‘Ring of Fire’ expedition to the Kuril Islands and Kamchatka departs on 11 July 2009 from Sakhalin Island in Russia and travels through the islands that lie like stepping-stones between Japan and Russia ending in the town of Petropavlosk.

The second 14-day ‘Bering Sea Explorer’ expedition to Kamchatka and Chukotka departs from Petropavlosk in Russia on 24 July and visits the Commander Islands, Karaginsky Island, the Chukotka Coast and Arakamchechen Archipelago, and some of the least visited wilderness areas on Earth.

The final 13-day ‘Arctic Ocean Discoverer’ voyage explores the Bering Straight and remote Wrangel Island, travelling high above the Arctic Circle where few have ventured. The voyage departs on 6 August 2009 and begins and ends in Nome, Alaska.

Prices for all three voyages start at US$5,490 per person and include accommodation and use of all public areas on board the ship, all meals, guided shore excursions, lectures with expert naturalists and historians, and all port taxes. Sea kayaking is an additional option.

For further information and bookings call 1800 637 688 or visit www.auroraexpeditions.com.au

SkyAirWorld has announced an additional weekly flight between Brisbane and Cloncurry as a result of overwhelming demand on its new domestic service.

From Thursday 30 October, SkyAirWorld will operate four weekly flights between Brisbane and Cloncurry as an addition to the thrice-weekly Brisbane – Cloncurry – Cairns route, which commenced last month.

Flights between Brisbane and Cloncurry will now operate four days per week on a Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, with economy fares starting from AUD$149.90 one way including taxes. The Thursday service will depart Brisbane at 6.10am arriving in Cloncurry at 8.50am and will then depart Cloncurry at 9.30am arriving in Brisbane at 11.45am, allowing passengers to easily connect to international flights.

SkyAirWorld CEO, David Charlton, said the additional service is a result of recent customer feedback and believed the additional flight would better meet customer needs.

“We have had an overwhelming reception from the Cloncurry community to our new services and Cloncurry and Mt Isa residents are delighted at the ease of being able to fly into Brisbane with our jet service,” Mr Charlton said.

SkyAirWorld is also supporting the Cloncurry community beyond the provision of aviation services. Last month SkyAirWorld sponsored ‘Ladies Day’ at Cloncurry Races, which included the donation of two return tickets on any leg of the new Brisbane – Cloncurry – Cairns service.

For a comprehensive overview of the SkyAirWorld flight schedule and booking information, please visit www.skyairworld.com  or alternatively call 1300 SKYAIR

New Zealand airline Pacific Blue today announced further growth on both its trans-Tasman and Pacific network, adding direct flights between Brisbane and Solomon Islands (Honiara) and three extra seasonal flights each week between Wellington and Brisbane.

The additional capacity between Wellington and Brisbane begins 1 December 2008, in time for the busy Christmas travel period, and increases the weekly frequency on this route from five to eight for the summer.
Virgin Blue Chief Executive, Brett Godfrey, said “As with all our routes we keep a close eye on loadings and market demand and we believe the additional capacity on the Brisbane – Wellington route will be warmly welcomed by the travelling public in both directions who are looking for a convenient schedule, great value and outstanding service during this busy time.”

As part of an ongoing expansion plan Pacific Blue will also start flying direct between Brisbane and Solomon Islands twice a week from 2 December 2008*, with convenient connections from Perth, Sydney, Adelaide, Canberra and Melbourne. Connector fares from New Zealand to Honiara via Brisbane will be available shortly.

To celebrate the new destination the airline is offering a special Brisbane – Honiara launch fare of AU$249* on sale now for seven days only for travel from 2 December 2008 until 31 March 2009. Regular lead-in fares will start from AU$379 one-way on the internet.
“This is the third new international destination we’ve announced in as many weeks and it’s exciting, particularly in this current climate, to be able to continue our expansion into new territories,” said Brett Godfrey.

• The increased seasonal Wellington – Brisbane schedule from 1 December 2008 is:
o WLG-BNE: Daily morning flights and one Friday late afternoon flight.
o BNE-WLG: Daily evening flights and one Friday morning flight.
• The new Brisbane – Honiara schedule from 2 December 2008 is:
o BNE-HIR: Mid-morning departure on Tuesday and Thursday.
o HIR-BNE: Mid-afternoon departure on Tuesday and Thursday.

* Subject to regulatory approval. All fares are subject to availability, are for one-way travel and include taxes, fares and surcharges. Seats are limited and may not be available at peak times or on all flights. Fares are one-way on the net or AU$15 more by phone. A credit card surcharge of AU$5 per person per one-way flight is applicable for flights internationally. Fares are correct as at 3 Oct, 2008 and are subject to change. International return fare may vary with the addition of local taxes and charges.

Fly for Free to Orpheus this Christmas & New Year Christmas & New Year at Orpheus is not for everyone. However, this year you can be one of the selected few to spend this special time of year away from the daily stresses of work, traffic, smog, friends, family, day trippers, noisy children and world events. Rest assured, this doesn’t mean that the festivities and great food of the season will be bypassed. Far from it….every detail will be taken care of in true Orpheus style.

For a limited time, Orpheus is offering FREE return scenic flights ex Townsville for any booking of five nights or more over the Christmas and New Year period – offering a saving of AUD$900. This special offer is valid for travel only from 21 December 2008 – 31 January 2009.

Escape to the sophisticated seclusion on Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef, to one of the last remaining privately owned island retreats in the world. Surrounded by 1,300 hectares of pristine national park, Orpheus is an exclusive hideaway for those seeking a natural, relaxing and rejuvenating environment of palm fringed bays and enticing translucent waters.

Strictly limited to 42 pampered guests, Orpheus offers premium services and total seclusion. The island is an idyllic haven for escaping the frenzied pace of modern life with no telephones, televisions, day-trippers, nightclubs or children under the age of fifteen.

Awaken on Christmas Day to spend the day however you please. Escape to your own private beach, take part in a local snorkel exploring the 1,100 types of tropical fish and abundant coral life in our surrounding waters, or simply relax by the pool and waste away the hours – it’s your choice. Experience the award winning dining at Orpheus and join our Chefs for a gourmet Australian BBQ lunch, followed by a traditional five course degustation Christmas Dinner that evening with all the festive trimmings – and all tailor made to your individual dietary requirements!

Plans are underway already for New Years Eve and it is sure to be a night to remember. The evening will begin with sunset drinks and canapés, followed by a dining extravaganza guaranteed to tantalize the tastebuds. This exquisite evening is further complimented with your own exclusive band – Mirasole. The acclaimed duo will bring in the New Year with laughter, dancing and spectacular dining.

Priced from AUD$3625 per person (based on double/twin share), the five night package includes:

• FREE return scenic flights ex Townsville
• 5 nights private beachfront accommodation in an Orpheus Retreat
• Meet & Greet with fresh fruit cocktail
• All meals – including a la carte breakfast, alfresco dining or gourmet seafood picnic hamper and seven course degustation-style menu each evening
• Christmas & New Year inclusions
• Unlimited use of motorised dinghies, paddle skis, catamarans, canoes, snorkelling equipment, local snorkel trips, light fishing gear, pools, gymnasium, recreation room, tennis court, bushwalking and selected interpretive activities.

Fraser Island’s iconic Cool Dingo group tour takes the hard work out of managing tides and navigation on the world’s largest sand island, and puts the enjoyment back in to touring.

These popular two and three-day group tours for 18 to 35-year-olds, were named Best Experience in Queensland for 2007 by some of the toughest travellers on the island’s sand tracks – international and domestic backpackers – and are equally appealing to locals.

Fraser Island is well known for beautiful, fresh-water lakes, lunar-like sand dunes, ancient rainforests and the spectacular 75-mile ocean beach, which comes complete with a shipwreck – all of which are discovered on tour.

Tours regularly from Hervey Bay or Brisbane and take in Fraser Island’s top beauty spots including stunning Lake McKenzie.

“Forget fidgety nights with tents and sleeping bags… these fully guided and all-inclusive Cool Dingo Tours promise a good night’s rest on Fraser Island, with comfy lodge accommodation, hearty buffet meals, air-conditioned 4WD tours and return catamaran transfers,” Leisure Sales Manager Joe Currenti said.

“Cool Dingo tours are a great way to experience the world’s largest sand island - Fraser Island - and to meet like-minded travellers from around Australia and indeed all over the globe.”

“There’s plenty of 4WD action, great value and fun to boot – and best of all no tents, no sleeping bags, no cooking, no driving and no worries.”

Cool Dingo ‘Two-day, One-night’ packages start from $289 per person, ‘Three-day, Two-night’ packages from $359 per person and ‘Five-day, Four-night’ packages from $457.

For the more adventurous, five-night Lady Elliott ‘Coral Reef and Cool Dingo’ packages are also available, with prices starting from just $799.

For more information on Cool Dingo tours visit www.cooldingotour.com

Norfolk Island’s infamous ghosts will be serenaded by angelic choruses during the 15th annual Norfolk Island Opera in the Ruins Festival in the island’s historic convict ruins from February 23-27, 2009.

The headline act will be Brisbane’s boutique opera company Operatif, featuring soprano Jennifer Parish, baritone Stewart Cameron, mezzo Dorothy Williams and guest tenor Benjamin Fifita Makisi accompanied by pianist Lynne Sterling Jordan.

Providing an added attraction this year will be Australian husband and wife virtuoso pianists Max Olding and Pamela Page, who have graced major international concert venues in the USA, UK, Austria and Hong Kong. In addition the Queensland Pop Orchestra Trio under concert master Julie-Anne O’Reilly will offer a selection of string and cinema classics, ballads and operetta.

“Opera in the Ruins continues to be one of the island’s biggest events attracting quality acts and great audiences,” said Norfolk Island Tourism General Manager Terry Watson.

“It’s not every day you get the chance to listen to such stunning music in such a dramatic setting and visitors can take time out between concerts to relax on our beautiful beaches, snorkel in stunning Emily Bay, paddle kayaks around the rugged coastline, explore the specialty shops to unearth some treasures, feast on the catch of the day at a sunset BBQ fish-fry or take in a round of golf at our scenic golf course,” he added.

Norfolk Select has special ‘Opera in the Ruins’ holiday packages including return flights from Australia, taxes ex Australia, seven nights twin share accommodation, airport transfers on Norfolk, half-day island tour, car hire (excluding compulsory insurance) and a full Opera in the Ruins package comprising six music events, two dinners and two morning or afternoon teas. The package is available from $1585 per person from Brisbane, $1646 per person from Sydney and $1624 from Newcastle, with add-on flights available from other ports. Conditions apply. Departure tax an additional $30 per person. Call Norfolk Select toll-free on 1800 724 400 or visit www.norfolkselect.com.au.

For general information on Norfolk Island visit www.norfolkisland.nf

Air New Zealand will launch a new direct service between Masterton and Auckland from Monday 16 February 2009.

The new route will be operated six days a week by Eagle Air, a subsidiary of Air New Zealand, utilising a 19-seat Beech 1900D aircraft.
Eagle Air General Manager Grant Kerr said today he was thrilled to expand the airline’s regional operations into Masterton.

Mr Kerr says he is expecting particularly strong interest for the new service from business travellers throughout the Wairarapa.

“There are a number of private and public sector businesses in Masterton that have strong connections in Auckland and elsewhere on the New Zealand network,” he says.

“The new schedule has been designed primarily to meet the needs of business customers, with a 7.05am departure from Masterton and an early evening return service. We will also be offering a service departing Masterton on Friday evenings to suit customers looking to spend the weekend in Auckland.”

Mr Kerr hopes the new service will stimulate tourism into the Wairarapa – one of New Zealand’s leading wine regions - by making it even more accessible to leisure travellers.

“Wairarapa region is an extremely attractive destination for both New Zealand and international travellers. Customers wanting to spend a weekend in wine country or attend events such as Toast Martinborough will now have the advantage of being able to fly into the region directly, rather than having to fly into Wellington or Palmerston North and then travel by road.”
Mr Kerr says the new service will also benefit international travellers by making it more convenient for them to connect to flights from Auckland.
Masterton Mayor Garry Daniell today welcomed Air New Zealand’s move, saying the improved links between Wairarapa and Auckland would boost business and tourism within the region.

“This service is going to be great for Wairarapa, putting us even more firmly on the map. There’s something for everyone here, be it a family holiday or a weekend getaway with our award-winning wines in mind.
“And the business community will certainly benefit from being able to easily get in and out of Auckland in one day,” Mr Daniell said.

Mr Kerr says Air New Zealand has been working very closely and constructively with the Masterton District Council over the past year and was appreciative of their strong support for establishing a commercial air service into the region.

Lead-in online fares between Masterton and Auckland begin from $105 one way per person and will be available for purchase on www.airnewzealand.co.nz  from mid October.

The following schedule is effective 16 February 2009:
Departs Arrives Days
Masterton-Auckland 0705 0820 Monday-Friday
Auckland-Masterton 1830 1945 Sunday-Thursday
Auckland-Masterton 1900 2015 Friday only
Masterton-Auckland 2030 2145 Friday only

Pacific Blue begins flying its newest trans-Tasman route tomorrow from Auckland to Sydney but the celebrations will begin today in the City of Sails with a travel industry party hosted by Virgin Blue Group CEO Brett Godfrey.

Pacific Blue announced a jump in capacity on the Tasman in July, offering daily flights from Auckland to Melbourne and nine flights a week from Auckland to Sydney using 180-seat Boeing 737-800 aircraft. The move prompted the airline’s competitors to significantly drop their lead-in fares on the routes.

Brett Godfrey said that Pacific Blue has been a growth story in the past twelve months, launching a New Zealand domestic airline and announcing a range of new international routes and destinations.

“Pacific Blue’s combination of a modern fleet, high quality service and affordable fares has struck a chord with New Zealanders. We’re very happy with the support Kiwis have shown us as we’ve introduced real competition into the domestic market, and we’re confident of their continued support on our international services.” Mr Godfrey said that the Auckland-Sydney route was a busy one but that there was plenty of room for Pacific Blue as it will be the first true low-fare airline in the market.

“Our strategy is always to look for markets that are under-served – not just in capacity but in terms of value for money,” he said. “Sydney is an iconic holiday destination and Auckland is a key gateway to New Zealand and a beautiful harbour city in its own right, so it’s great to be able to offer much more affordable fares between these two cities and play a positive part in boosting tourism on both sides of the Tasman.” Tomorrow’s launch flight takes off at 6.00am (NZST) from Auckland with a water-arch farewell and will arrive in Sydney three-and-a-half-hours later at 7.30am (AEST). The return flight will leave Sydney at 6.45pm (AEST) and touch-down at Auckland Airport at 11.45pm (NZST).

Guests on tomorrow morning’s departure will be hosted by Pacific Blue team members dressed as “Sydney Icon” characters, including an opera singer, a nightclub showgirl, and a surf lifesaver. Guests will be offered a complimentary glass of bubbly on board to toast the new service and will receive a special limited edition t-shirt as a souvenir of the launch flight.

About Pacific Blue, Polynesian Blue, Virgin Blue and V Australia Pacific Blue and Polynesian Blue, along with Australian domestic airline Virgin Blue, operate a fleet of 72 modern Boeing 737 and Embraer E-Jet aircraft flying to 25 Australian and eight international destinations including New Zealand, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu and the Cook Islands. Virgin Blue Group’s newest airline, V Australia, is set to commence flights between Australia and the USA from February 2008.

Glamorous glasses and purple rinses will be in evidence at Auckland Airport today as Pacific Blue begins its new daily service to Melbourne with an inaugural flight that pays homage to one of Australia’s megastars*.

Pacific Blue announced the new service in July, becoming the first low-cost carrier to fly the route. Commenting on today’s launch Pacific Blue’s General Manager, Commercial, Adrian Hamilton-Manns said that once again the airline’s entry to a new market was lowering the cost of air travel for all Kiwis.

“After announcing six weeks ago that we would begin flights from Auckland to Melbourne and Sydney, our competitors have been falling over themselves to try to match our lower fares,” said Mr Hamilton-Manns. “This is exactly what happened when we launched our affordable domestic fares last year, so their efforts have again proved that Pacific Blue is the low-fare leader and shows what real competition can achieve.” Today’s launch flight from “the City of Sails to Moonee Ponds” takes off at 6.30am (NZST) from Auckland and will arrive in Melbourne four hours later at 8.30am (AEST). The return flight will leave Melbourne at 9.30am (AEST) and touch-down at Auckland Airport to a water-arch welcome at 2.45pm (NZST).

Mr Hamilton-Manns said Pacific Blue was excited to be offering an affordable travel option for Aucklanders to visit Melbourne. “Melbourne is a hugely popular destination for Aucklanders for business and leisure, and now they can visit this cosmopolitan Australian city without paying a fortune.” Auckland Airport CEO Simon Moutter said that today’s launch flight is a welcome addition to Pacific Blue’s services at Auckland Airport. “It’s great to see Pacific Blue providing more options to travellers who are keen to get across the ditch. Australians and New Zealanders love exploring both countries and we relish the opportunity to welcome more trans-Tasman travellers through Auckland Airport,” said Mr Moutter.

Pacific Blue will be operating one of its brand new Boeing 737-800 Next Generation jets – “Maiden New Zealand” – on today’s launch flight. “We’ve recently taken delivery of two brand new 737-800 jets to support our trans-Tasman and Pacific Island growth,” said Mr Hamilton-Manns. “These new aircraft bring our fleet number to nine and our average fleet age to just over three years.” In recent months Pacific Blue has announced a range of new routes including Auckland to Melbourne and Sydney, Sydney to Vanuatu, and Brisbane to Port Moresby.

Guests on today’s launch flight from Auckland will be hosted by several Dame Edna lookalikes and will enjoy Pacific Blue’s traditional launch flight celebrations including a glass of bubbly, a slice of traditional Kiwi-Aussie pavlova, a special limited edition launch flight t-shirt giveaway, as well as an in-flight auction and fundraising efforts with all proceeds donated to Variety, the Children’s Charity.

Guests on board the return flight from Melbourne will enjoy similar celebrations on a “Pasifika Style” themed flight, including an innovative partnership between Pacific Blue and Tourism Auckland. Two Tourism Auckland i-Site team members – renamed “Fly-site” for today – will be aboard the flight from Melbourne to promote Auckland to Melbourne Guests and answer questions about visitor attractions in the Auckland region.

* Pacific Blue appreciates that Dame Edna is a megastar, and while we’re delighted to pay homage to her on these flights, we’d like to point out that neither Dame Edna, Barry Humphries nor any of his other characters are associated with us, nor has any licence been given to us to use any of Barry Humphries’ characters. Unfortunately, the megastar herself will not be present on the inaugural flights or at associated celebrations. About Pacific Blue, Polynesian Blue, Virgin Blue and V Australia Pacific Blue and Polynesian Blue, along with Australian domestic airline Virgin Blue, operate a fleet of 72 modern Boeing 737 and Embraer E-Jet aircraft flying to 25 Australian and eight international destinations including New Zealand, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu and the Cook Islands. Virgin Blue Group’s newest airline, V Australia, is set to commence flights between Australia and the USA from December 2008.