TOUR ANTHOLOGY RUGBY
Tour Anthology Rugby - Luxury Travel Magazine
 | |||||
Rugby World Cup 2011 Luxury Cruise | |||||
| By: Hansika Bhagani and Sophie Matovina, Issue 44 – Spring 2010 | |||||
| (Rugby, New Zealand, Shop, Spain, Botswana, Tuscany, Bali, Israel, Jordan, Egypt, Argentina) | |||||
| In New Zealand next year the top 20 Rugby teams will battle it out in the biggest Rugby tournament in the world, the Rugby World Cup 2011. Here at Luxury Travel Magazine, we haven’t found a more luxurious way to see the games (and New Zealand!) than on Adventure World’s 20-night cruise across the Tasman to some of the 13 locations hosting the games. The tour sets sail from Sydney on board the luxury cruise ship ms Volendam (with one staff for every two passengers) followed by three nights at sea. Guests will settle in and start to meet their fellow passengers over fine dining events, at the ship’s Las Vegas style casino, dancing up a storm at the Crows Nest club or unwinding by the two outdoor pools. Among the guests you’ll meet on board will be four Australian Rugby legends: Nick Farr-Jones, previous Wallabies captain; coach Bob Dwyer; 1984 Grand Slam team member, Mark Ella and renowned commentator Gordon Bray. Throughout the cruise they’ll be offering match analysis and their picks for the tournament. For the fitness keen on board there’s a state-of-the-art fitness centre with personal trainers and classes, three swimming pools, basketball court and a tennis court. For those less fitness-minded, there are cooking classes, live music at the many bars, nightly musical shows and comedy acts, a movie theatre showing all the latest releases, and an on-board spa. The restaurants on board the five-star ms Volendam include the Rotterdam Dining Room, Pinnacle Grill, Canaletto, Lido’s Restaurant, Explorations Café and the Terrace Grill. Rugby-themed bars in dedication to the Rugby World Cup 2011 will keep the Rugby fans entertained. The first match of the package kicks off in Wellington with the first quarter-final and is quickly followed up with the second quarter-final the next day. There’s lots else to see and do in the gorgeous harbour city of Wellington, the country’s arts and culture capital, including cultural events to coincide with the Rugby World Cup 2011, great restaurants, galleries and boutique shops. After the quarter-finals, guests will set sail around the country with stops in Christchurch and Picton before heading to the semi-finals in Auckland. As the anticipation builds before the Final in Auckland, the cruise travels around the seaside town of Russell where visitors can explore nearby volcanic Rotorua, play a round of golf at a magnificent golf course or visit the Bay of Islands all the time keeping an eye out for the whales that pass the area. Wine lovers will visit the Marlborough wine region. There’ll also be sightseeing day tours of the towns and cities along the way. And it’s a family friendly environment so bring the kids along. Nick Farr-Jones will be bringing his! | |||||
| DATES: range from October 4 – 24 2011 | |||||
| PRICE: From A$5,186 per person twin share | |||||
| INCLUDES: All meals and match tickets, a one-way Auckland to Sydney airfare, coach transfers and more. | |||||
| WEBSITE: rugby.adventureworld.com.au | |||||
Sex and the city Spanish style | |||||
| By: Anna Lewin | |||||
| The latest holidays packages from Travelling Divas, the brainchild of Managing Director Andrea Powis, are all about women getting together. The boutique company was created to cater to female travellers looking for experiences designed by women specifically for women. One such experience is the Spanish Soiree tour, running from 30 May until 10 June 2011, which invites women to soak up the European sun on a 12-day tour throughout Spain. The tour commences in the capital of Madrid, famous for its nightlife, shopping, historic architecture and museums. The package includes accommodation in the centre of Madrid, at the colourful and contemporary Hotel Oscar overlooking the Plaza Santa Ana, where the tour group can relax, unwind and sample local cuisine from the tapas menus with traditional Spanish Sangria. A visit to Madrid would not be complete without a day of shopping in the vibrant up and coming design hub of Chueca. Sample local Spanish designers as well as ranges from high-end international labels and boutiques. To recover from a hard days shopping, the group will cap off the day with a traditional hammam (Turkish bath) ceremony and rejuvenating massage at the historic Arabic bathhouse. The tour moves south to Sevilla, winding through the Andaluclan countryside. Home to olive groves, almond trees and fresh food produce markets, the tour includes a private master class with a local chef, resulting in an extravagant evening feast overlooking the historic city. As the group travels through Sanlucar to the southern most point of Tarifa, there is an opportunity to experience the magical views and stunning natural beauty of the Spanish coastline and take a dip in the North Atlantic, before the tour heads back north to Barcelona, Spain’s most vibrant and cosmopolitan city. Barcelona is the cultural epicentre of Spain; from the chaos that is Las Ramblas, a one kilometre tree-lined stretch of road filled with stalls, artists, food and entertainers, to the Gothic area of Barrio Gotico, which captures the architecture of the Gothic period during the medieval roman settlement of Barcelona through historic churches, palaces and residential quarters which line restored cobbled streets. The tour however, is not without some personal leisure time that could be spent catching the reigning world soccer champions in action with a premier league game, discovering an unparalleled spectacle of passion that defines the European soccer league. Teaming up with Sydney based Biznaga Travel Company, which specialises in travel to Spain, the Travelling Divas’ Spanish Soiree holiday experience starts from A$6,659 per person twin share. It includes 11 nights accommodation, 11 breakfasts, nine main meals (across lunches and dinners), a bilingual guide, the opportunity for room upgrades from classic to luxury for those who would like opulence throughout the tour. Transport will be via private car with a professional driver, via train from Madrid to Seville and a flight from Malaga to Barcelona (upgrade available). The package does not include return flights or travel insurance. | |||||
| DATES: 30 May until 10 June, 2011 | |||||
| PRICE: A$6,659 per person twin share | |||||
| PHONE: 0408 721 569 | |||||
| EMAIL: andrea@travellingdivas.com.au | |||||
| WEBSITE: www.travellingdivas.com.au | |||||
Discover Botswana’s green season | |||||
| By: Rosemarie Marino | |||||
| Lions, leopards, cheetahs and wild dogs are just a few of the untamed animals you’ll encounter in Botswana’s green season: a period of infrequent rains drawing in migrating wildlife ready for you to observe. New births fill the dazzling plains and you will be able to walk among these creatures to have a close-up occurrence. The tour takes you through the Kalahari, Delta and other locations to unearth the best spots to see native mammals, flora and fauna. Some of the unique mammal species seen on the tour are the sitatunga and red lechwe. You’ll also go canoeing on the emerald marshes and visit Deception Valley. With a small group size of eight people, you’ll get the most adventurous and specialised 12-day tour, staying in exclusive tented camps to really get the full safari experience. | |||||
| DATES: January 21- February 1, 2011, February 15-26, 2011 and March 10-21, 2011. | |||||
| PRICE: From A$8,895 per double person occupancy. | |||||
| INCLUDES: Internal charter flights, accommodation, all meals, airport transfers, permits, entrance fees and all taxes. | |||||
| WEBSITE: www.nathab.com | |||||
Autumn of wine and truffles in Tuscany | |||||
| By: Rosemarie Marino | |||||
| Gourmet treats, succulent wine and Ferraris are all a part of the most luxurious way to spend seven days in charming Tuscany. Staying at the Villa La Massa you’ll unwind in comfort as this lavish tour only caters for 12 guests at a time. Head off on an authentic truffle hunt with a genuine trifolau and his loyal canine through the woods to be taught all about the different varieties of truffles. This tour is a food and wine lover’s dream, as you’ll taste wines from exclusive vintages and hidden wineries. Be lead by winemaking star Molino Di Grace and learn about 350 year old vines. To relax, shop at Prada Montevarchi, play golf at Ugolino or have a wine therapy massage or facial. One of the most exhilarating parts of the tour is to drive a Ferrari through the Chianti countryside. You are able to choose from a Ferrari California, 458 Italia or 430 Spider. | |||||
| DATES: October 17-23, 2010. | |||||
| PRICE: A$12,638 (Single) and A$18,636 (double occupancy). | |||||
| INCLUDES: Accommodation at the Villa La Massa, Ferrari tour, truffle hunt, private tour of the Palazzo Pitti, and gala dinner. | |||||
| WEBSITE: www.lhw.com | |||||
Bali biking | |||||
| By: Rosemarie Marino | |||||
| Whether you’re a professional cyclist or beginner, you won’t want to stop once you have begun the Bali biking tour. Breathtaking scenery, humbling culture and thrilling activities are all a part of one phenomenal seven-day trip. Learn about Hindu spirituality and mythology, view local temples and art studios or snorkel in the Blue Lagoon where you can see parrotfish and gian clams. Whilst cycling through the tropical beachside resorts you will also come across rice fields, villages, sacred pools, volcanoes, waterfalls and forests. During stops you can try out the white water rafting or for the tamer, some hiking in the warm breeze. Knowledgeable tour guides will explain the history as you release every bit of inner tension and soak in the sights and smells on the well-planned track. The tour takes you through Ubud, Lovina Beach, Tembok and Manggis and you’ll stay in luxury at sultry beachside retreats. | |||||
| DATES: October 24-30, 2010, December 19-25 & 29-1, 2010 and March 27 - April 4, 2011. | |||||
| PRICE: A$3,798 per person double occupancy. Single supplement available. | |||||
| INCLUDES: Meals, tours, accommodation and activities. | |||||
| WEBSITE: www.backroads.com | |||||
Fly over New Zealand | |||||
| By: Rosemarie Marino | |||||
| Want to see New Zealand from a birds-eye view on a luxury aircruise? You’ll fly high above the wonders of the Fjordlands and snow capped mountains aboard a Dash 8 Aircraft for 12 magnificent days. Arrive in Auckland to a harbour-side seafood dinner before heading off to get some rest for the journey ahead. From the following day on your aircruise you’ll be sampling the wines of Waiheke Island, sightseeing, indulging in the thermal region of volcanic Rotorua, getting arty at Napier, Nelson and Wellington and jet boating in “Lord of the Rings” country. The farewell dinner and final night stay will be spent at the George Hotel Christchurch, one of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World. | |||||
| DATE: November 17, 2010. | |||||
| PRICE: A$11,251. | |||||
| INCLUDES: Accommodation, meals, sightseeing, entry fees, porterage and travel within New Zealand by private aircraft. | |||||
| WEBSITE: www.inspiredtravel.com.au | |||||
Ancient wonders | |||||
| By: Rosemarie Marino | |||||
| Allow yourself to be taken back to an ancient era of pharaohs and pyramids, sacred towns and prehistoric mosaics. Experience three countries and have the secrets of history revealed to you by your specialist tour guides as you go on an expedition through Israel, Jordan and Egypt. This 13-day tour mixes exciting adventure and luxury travel together. Upon arrival you are assisted through airport formalities and transferred to your hotel. Driving along the Dead Sea to Masada, you’ll get to see Herod’s palaces and stop off at Qumran Caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found and preserved. Other landmarks you will encounter are “The City Of Mosaics”, The Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, Pyramids, The Great Sphinx and the medieval citadel of Salah el-Din. Petra Kitchen will also provide your senses with rare tastes and lessons on how to prepare local cuisine. | |||||
| DATES: October 17-29, 2010, November 14-26, 2010 and December 26 - January 7, 2011. | |||||
| PRICE: From A$7,310 double occupancy. | |||||
| INCLUDES: Accommodation, tours, VIP services whisking you through arrival formalities at Tel fees, gratuities for hotels and baggage. | |||||
| WEBSITE: www.abercrombiekent.com | |||||
Play polo in Argentina | |||||
| By: Rosemarie Marino | |||||
| Polo by day, tango by night…that’s only two of the many amazing reasons to take a tour through Argentina. This 13-day visit goes at a relaxed pace, perfect for all age groups. Beginning in Buenos Aires, you’ll go on a private city and architecture tour where you can opt to have a personal shopper show you the finest Porteno fashion. When dusk hits the night comes alive with a succulent dinner and Rojo Tango at the Faena Cabaret. After your private tango lesson or a leisurely spa day at the Park Hyatt, you’ll head off to experience polo first hand, the Argentinean way. Three days are committed to learning how to play the sport and with over 60 horses every skill level is accepted. The final leg of the tour takes you through Cordoba, the horse capital of Argentina. | |||||
| DATES: November 13 - December 4, 2010. | |||||
| PRICE: From A$9,052. | |||||
| INCLUDES: All domestic transfers and tours mentioned, accommodation at the Park Hyatt Palacio Park Duhau and Estancia el Colibri, plus breakfast daily. | |||||
| WEBSITE: www.urbanenomads.com | |||||
|
