APT introduced its first Europe river cruises covering the Christmas-New Year season in its 2011 brochure to meet demand for experiencing the festive season in Europe.

Winter tours in Canada and Alaska are again featured and include a new dinner at Butchart Gardens on select departures, meeting a Mountie in Banff and all tours including a VIA Rail journey.

For Europe, APT has listed several departures across a choice of two Christmas season cruises, with departures running from November 25 through to December 30 for itineraries ranging from 15 days to 21 days.

APT offers departures over the November and December period to cater for passengers who wish to stay at home for the family Christmas but still discover the magic of a winterland holiday and the bustling of Europe’s Christmas markets, as well as a departure that includes Christmas Day and New Year’s celebrations on board.

A fly-free to Europe (inc taxes) offer on these cruises launches the brochure, if booked by April 30.

Lead-in cruise is the 15-day Magnificent Europe Christmas Markets, priced from $6495 per person, twin share which includes 14 nights on board an exclusive APT Concerto river ship, all meals on cruise with beer, and wine with lunch and dinner, Freedom of Choice Touring at no extra cost, the Christmas markets including Rothenberg and Nuremburg, airport transfers and tipping, excursions and entertainment and an APT exclusive tour of the Hungarian State Opera House in Budapest.

APT’s snowy adventures in Canada are for those who love to combine a touch of fun and getting out and about in winter with the comfort of staying cosy indoors by the roaring fire. Skiing, ice skating and dog-sledding are active options.

The lead in product, new for 2012 season, is the 13 day Winter Wonderland, priced from $5995 per person, twin share and departing November 19.

The most popular Christmas product is the 13 day Canadian White Christmas tour, priced from $6295 per person, twin share.  It departs December 21.  The price includes Christmas at Lake Louise, New Year’s Eve in Vancouver, staying at The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel and The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Freedom of Choice Touring at no extra cost, two nights in Whistler at the centrally located Westin Whistler, viewing the Canyon Lights at the Capilano Suspensions Bridge, 20 fine meals including an unforgettable Christmas Day brunch at Lake Louise followed by a magical horse-drawn sleigh ride around the Lake, airport transfers and tipping, excursions and entertainment, most meals including Dine Around Dinners and an experienced local APT Tour Director.

A superdeal saving of $1000 per couple if being offered, if booked by April 30.

Agents call 1300 278 278 or see www.aptgroup.travel

This August, the Spitsbergen Family Adventure: Polar Bear Safari expedition departs for eight days of unforgettable adventure in the continuous daylight offered by the Arctic region. Families with kids will learn first-hand from Quark’s polar expedition team how to identify animal tracks and scat, capture iconic wildlife such as polar bears and walrus on film, or how polar weather effects world-wide weather patterns.

“Quark’s family-focused Arctic expedition takes advantage of a kid’s natural curiosity and sense of adventure,” stated Hans Lajerweij, President of Quark Expeditions. “The Arctic trip especially, is a great way to combine activity and learning; to spot polar bears and other wildlife, and come away with a deeper understanding of the history, nature and importance of these incredibly unique areas of the world.”

In addition to the educational experience aboard a unique “polar classroom”, there is also plenty of adventure to keep everyone happy and active, including shore landings in Zodiacs, snowshoeing and camping available on all of Quark’s Arctic expeditions.

Quark is also offering an 11-day, December holiday season Antarctic Explorer expedition with family-friendly pricing. This is the classic Antarctic Peninsula trip and also explores the South Shetland Island visiting penguins and seals along the way.

Reservations
Quark Expeditions is offering two upcoming family-friendly priced departures. Children travel at a 15% reduced rate in the Arctic on the Polar Bear Safari and in the Antarctic on the Antarctic Explorer. Enter the code KIDSP for online reservations. Please note, as part of Quark’s commitment to only the highest safety standards, children must be at least 12 years old to participate on an expedition.

Polar Bear Safari: Spitsbergen Family Adventure: August 2-9, 2012 prices from $3,690 per person.

Family-Friendly Antarctic Explorer: The Classic Adventure: December 25, 2012 – January 4, 2013 prices from $6,995 per person.

To book your trip, call a Quark Polar Travel Adviser at  888-892-0171 or visit www.quarkexpeditions.com.

Greg Carter, Co-Director of Chimu Adventures, said: “Our business model is based on creating fully flexible itineraries that don’t pigeonhole the traveller into a set itinerary, rather offer them options based on specialist information, combined with the flexibility to tailor to their needs, without costing a fortune.

“Largely we find the 40+ market attracted to the concept of our fully flexible itineraries, enjoying the boutique style hotels we hand pick. They seek the road less travelled as well as the major highlights. This market tend to chose the more up-market style of accommodation available through the Chimu operations and intertwine it with other unique options to get a full view of the destination they have landed in.

“The look and feel of the new logo, reflects this as well as the up-market operation our customers expect. The logo is also more attractive to our industry partners as is no longer bares the Chimu Adventure’s web address”

To date, Chimu’s growth has been largely organic and a result of amazing prices, solid knowledge, exceptional sales skills and a bountiful percentage of referrals. What began as a two person operation in 2004 is now a fast growing business. The travel company currently carries 3,000 pax to Latin America and Antarctica and has offices in Sydney, Sunshine Coast, London, Lima, Cusco and Buenos Aires.

Chad Carey, Co-Direct of Chimu Adventures, said: “Last year was a great year for Chimu. Not only did we see a 70% growth in the business, we also invested in new technology to help make our operations even more efficient, and purchased land in Cusco, Peru, to build our very first hotel in the region. On top of that we won the 2011 Australia-Latin America Business Excellence Award in recognition of our excellent work and commitment to the region, the first travel company to do so.

“Our new logo, signals an exciting start to 2012 as we strive for continued growth. Who knows where the next year will take us.”

Spain: Viva Andalucía! features iconic scenes of southern Spain, from Córdoba to Granada and the celebrated Pueblos Blancos. This nine day tour of southern Spain takes in Andalucía’s most scenic landscapes. Along the way, cyclists will tour the exotic Moorish palaces of the Alhambra, the medieval Judería in Córdoba, and follow in the footsteps of toreadors at Plaza de Toros in Ronda, the birthplace of modern bullfighting.

Portugal & Spain: Minho Grape Escape offers riders the opportunity to coast and toast in the terraced vineyards of Minho wine country, starting in Arcos de Valdevez, Portugal and ending in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. Highlights of this six day tour include a stay at an award-winning winery, complete with wine cellar tour, tasting, and dinner.

New England: The “Art” of Cycling brings participants to world-class museums and the Tanglewood Music Festival adding an artsy spin to summer biking in the New England. The July tour date includes a Boston Symphony Orchestra performance of classic works by Leonard Bernstein and Tchaikovsky. In August, groups are treated to the sounds of the Boston Pops performing Gershwin and the Great American Songbook.

Tour prices include all accommodations, most meals, museum admissions, and use of a high-quality 27-speed bicycle. Each group is accompanied by two experienced cycling guides who are also expert mechanics. A support van comes along to carry luggage, provide snacks, and offer any assistance bikers might need (including lifts for those needing the occasional break from pedaling).
Easy Rider Tours also offers a variety of additional bicycle tours in Spain, Portugal, and New England as well as tours in Ireland and the Canadian Maritimes.

As of today, tour operators must implement 14-day itineraries in an effort to help preserve the archipelago’s fragile ecosystem.  Vessels will not be permitted to visit the same site more than once in the two-week period, except for the port cities on Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal Islands to facilitate the embarkation and disembarkation of passengers.

“The Galapagos Islands are hugely popular and recognized for its incredible wildlife and natural diversity,” says Frank Schuran, G Adventures’ VP of Global Operations.  “Not only are the new itineraries better for the islands, they provide several advantages for travellers too.  The longer cycles offer visitors more options to experience the ‘enchanted islands’ that best suit them.”

“We work closely with the Galapagos Park Service to ensure we operate in accordance with their standards,” adds Schuran.

Travellers who wish to experience the entire archipelago can book two 10-day trips back-to-back with G Adventures.  Six, seven and 10-day tours are also available.

G Adventures is one of the larger tour operators in the Galapagos and directly manages four exclusive yachts that cover a range of trip styles and budgets.  Expert naturalist guides are on board all boats and the deluxe catamaran employs certified Level III naturalist guides – the highest level attainable.

The G Adventures Difference

Highlights of sailing with G Adventures in the Galapagos Islands include:

• 12 departures a week – With six, seven and 10-day tours operating every week, there are plenty of options and no other operator offers more variety; trips can be combined with Peru and Ecuador tours and land-based excursions are also available
• Owned fleet – The tour operator charters and manages its vessels, guaranteeing on-trip quality and ensuring travel with other G Adventures passengers
• Cater to all budgets – Whether guests prefer a more comfortable sailing experience or are on a tight budget, there is a yacht to match
• Maximum 16 people – Group sizes are kept small for a more intimate experience
• Passengers will be looked after – In addition to a local naturalist guide certified by the Galapagos National Park Authority, G Adventures maintains customer service and operational support centres in Quito

G Adventures has a long history of operating in the Galapagos and demonstrates its commitment to the Islands’ preservation through initiatives like the Galapagos Oil Spill Prevention project.

For more information and a complete list of G Adventures’ Galapagos tours, please visit www.gadventures.com/marine/galapagos-island-cruises/.

Typical is the 15–day “The Lost Continent tour” which travels from the capital Antananarivo to the white sands of the Indian Ocean where there is free time to relax, swim and snorkel at the end of the tour.

Just recently it took 80 local people to collect, harness and release around one million spiders over seven years to create the largest ever Golden Orb silk scarf and cape which is currently on display at the V & A Museum in London.

The tour costs from $2413 per person twin share and includes 14 nights at hotels, lodges and a community dormitory stay with daily breakfast,  11 other meals, transportation and the services of a tour leader, driver and local guides.  There are numerous departures from  March to  November.

For an active walking holiday, there is a 15 -day Madagascar Wilderness Trek which covers highlands, rainforests, dramatic costal landscapes and tropical islands. Trekking through lesser known nature reserves and lush forests, walkers will be able to search for the spiders as they admire the diverse wildlife and visit rainforest communities.

Priced from $2170 per person twin share there are departures in March, June, August, September and October, 2012.

For more details contact  Explore Worldwide on 1300-414-151.

Joan Marie Amatuzio, President of Mio Amore Tours conceptualized the vow renewal celebration as the highlight of the company’s luxury romance tours.

To celebrate life’s special moments, Mio Amore Tours invites couples to reconnect and rekindle the passion and romance in their lives with the company’s gala vow renewal tour.

Mio Amore Tours partnered with the Four Seasons Hotel, Florence, and other luxury hotels to offer their travelers unparalleled experiences and luxury hospitality: a perfect combination for the company’s gala vow renewal celebration.

Mio Amore Tours is committed to offering their guests unsurpassed elegance, romantic settings, and superior service during their stays. Travelers can expect epicurean delights, Michelin Starred restaurants, Mercedes transportation, and private, authentic guides.

The company is launching several luxury wedding vow renewal packages. Designed for romance and relaxation, couples may select from premium, standard, or petite luxury tours. For a limited time, Mio Amore Tours is offering couples a special rate on the signature tour packages by visiting http://www.MioAmoreTours.com.

Tour packages include the option for couples to renew their vows overlooking the dramatic Mediterranean at the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria or the Hotel Palazzo Sasso. Alternately, they may opt for the romantic city of Florence to renew their vows at the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel.

In order to provide guests with a more personal experience, the company limits the tours to twelve to fourteen travelers.

Mio Amore Tours invites couples to reconnect and rekindle the passion and romance in their lives while touring one of the most sought after destinations in the world. The company’s signature gala vow renewal celebration is the perfect blend of romance and luxury travel for couples.

“Off the Beaten Track”

Are you searching for something out of the ordinary and far removed from the normal tourist path? We are delighted to begin 2012 with a selection of ‘off the beaten track’ experiences. China, India and Myanmar still harbour remote regions for the intrepid traveller who wishes to experience bygone lifestyles and dramatic scenery, whilst accompanied by a knowledgeable Diethelm Travel guide.

Discover the remarkable landscape of Yunnan’s rice terraces and snow-capped mountains, and join us to explore Gujarat, a rarely visited part of India boasting beautiful art deco palaces, 10th century monuments and semi-nomadic desert tribes. Alternatively, in Myanmar, enjoy breathtaking views over the Himalaya mountain range, whilst hiking in and around Putao, the northernmost town of Kachin state.

We hope this D-Brief inspires you to explore roads less travelled.

Sincerely,

Your Diethelm Travel Team

Fantastic deals for agents only!

We have been searching for some exciting offers to be able to share with you. Looking to the immediate future, Winter 2011/12 and valid until 31st March 2012, we start with the ever popular winter beach destinations. Here we have negotiated offers in Koh Samui and Krabi in Thailand, in Tioman, Malaysia and the Maldives. Looking further ahead to Summer 2012, we have been working closely with our key partners around the Region to come up with some great offers during, what is often called the “Green” season in Thailand and Malaysia. Additionally we have included some creative and fun ideas for unique sightseeing around the region.

Simply visit www.diethelmtravel.com and log in to view and benefit from the offers, or click on the image on the left hand side.

On her return last week Glenyce said “Everything seemed to be exceptional about this destination. There’s only two other places that I have taken more photos, which are Nepal and Antarctica”.  Glenyce said she’s never felt safer anywhere in the world, and described Burma as a “life-changing destination.”

Peregrine has been one of the few operators to run tours in Burma since the mid 1990s, when Aung San Suu Kyis’ NLD party called for UN sanctions on Burma, including a boycott on tourism. Peregrine developed its Burma program in response to client feedback and to requests from the Burmese people themselves. They have an overwhelming desire to welcome tourists, something Glenyce encountered on many occasions. “Peregrine’s aim has always been to expose the country to outside scrutiny and to ensure that tourism revenue does not end up in government coffers. We use small, private, family-owned suppliers including ground operator’s restaurants and transport. And importantly our local, English-speaking tour leaders can share their culture with foreign visitors.”

One of the most magical days Glenyce experienced was visiting a temple in Inle Lake. “All of a sudden we were surrounded by a group of people, giggling and pointing. Our tour leader spoke with them, and it turned out they had never seen tourists before. They asked our leader if they could touch us, so we held out our arms and they ran up to us, laughing at our freckles and patting our skin.”

“They gave our leader a message to pass on, which was – ‘May you be healthy, may you be wealthy, may you live a long life and may you never come into any danger or fear’ -  it was one of the most emotional and  incredible experiences of my life,” Glenyce said.

Glenyce went on the Burma Unveiled tour. She said, “We spent three nights in Mandalay, three nights in Pagan and three nights on Inle Lake. The trip started and finished in Rangoon so it was a nice mix. We took a wonderful full-day boat trip from Mandalay to Pagan where all the pagodas are. It was so special watching the sunrise and seeing the villages come to life on either side of the river.”

For more information on Peregrine tours please call 1 300 655 433 or visit www.peregrineadventures.com.

A spectacular flight upon the London Eye is the definite option for many a visitor to this enthralling capital. You can marvel at noteworthy views of the finest landmarks in a distinctive, frankly incomparable fashion on such a flight; this is what makes it such an extraordinary and memorable experience.

The current St Paul’s is the fifth cathedral to have stood on the site since 604. It was constructed between 1675 and 1710, after its precursor was razed to the ground in the Great Fire of London. This renowned Cathedral has loomed over the fiscal core of London, the City, for centuries, in all its extravagant splendour.

St Paul’s has held an, at times, intensely dramatic history. In 1913, suffragettes concealed a bomb under the Bishop’s throne in the choir of St Paul’s, in an attempt to draw attention to their struggle for women’s rights. If the bomb had been effectively set off, a great deal of damage could have been done, and it may even have possibly started a fire. As it was, the mechanism was defective and the bomb did not detonate.

You also may not be aware of the fact that St Paul’s has played host to talks by some truly inspirational world leaders and activists. Perhaps one of the most notable is none other than Martin Luther King. In 1964, this world renowned human rights campaigner spent three days in London, during which he made a sermon at St. Paul’s Cathedral.

He also convened with leaders of the peace community. The reason for his short stay in London was that he was taking a trip to Oslo to collect the Nobel Peace Prize.

On your hop on hop off London tour, why not visit the London Film Museum? The London Film Museum is something of an unfairly disregarded cultural gem. In addition to its exhibits, the London Film Museum also has frequent installations involving the history of English film and the enchanting imaginative methods that take place behind the camera.

Or possibly you are for a more unusual and unconventional hop on hop off London tour? Go on a riveting ghost bus tour, sure to frighten and mesmerise you in equal measure. Theatrical and convincing on-board actors and spectacular technical trickery amalgamate to make for the most breathtaking tour in London. A menacing conductor will provide a remarkably entertaining, extraordinary commentary for the duration of this memorable experience. You will become informed as to the location of supposed haunted places, intact burial grounds and other somewhat disquieting, lesser known sides to London.