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2009 Tour Calendar
Apr | May | Aug | Oct
Vietnam and Cambodia - 18 days
Departing Sunday 5th April 2009.
Bookings Close 5th January 2009!
Canada and Alaska - (including 7 Day Alaskan Cruise) 20 days
Departing May 17th 2009 - Details now available!!
Taking Bookings Now!
Wonders of China and Hong Kong - 19 days
Departing 2nd August 2009
Egypt and Dubai - 15 days
Departing Wednesday 14th October 2009
2010 Tour Calendar - Proposed Trips
March/April | May | June/July | August
Anzac Day at Gallipoli plus Turkey and Greece
March/April 2010 - 14 Days +
Italy and Sicily
May 2010 - 28 Days
Kenya and Tanzania Safari
June/July 2010 - 21 Days
UK, Paris and Southern France
August 2010 - approx 28 days
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Vietnam and Cambodia — Fully Escorted
April 2009 Itinerary
| Date |
Details |
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Sun 5th
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DEPART AUSTRALIA
Fly from Brisbane on Singapore Airlines flight SQ246 departing 2345 (11:45pm).
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Mon 6th
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HANOI
Arrive Singapore 5:30 am. Transfer to flight SQ176 departing 10:00am for Hanoi. Arrive Hanoi Airport 12:30pm.
The guide will meet you and the vehicle will drive you into the Old Quarter of Hanoi, where your hotel is.After check in, your guide will take you on a short orientation around this area, showing you the lake, the landmarks and the local markets.
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Tue 7th
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HANOI
Rise early to walk down to the lake to join in the Tai Chi or aerobics around the lake. After breakfast, your guide will take you on a half day tour of Hanoi. You will visit Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, his stilthouse, the Temple of Literature, and the infamous Hanoi Hilton. Rest of the day free for shopping and wandering the Old Quarter. (Breakfast)
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Wed 8th
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HALONG BAY
After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel at 8:00 am to drive to Halong Bay. Board at midday, and have lunch on board. Cruise the waters and visit the giant caves and beaches of the World Heritage site. Dinner and overnight in your junk. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
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Thur 9th
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HALONG BAY
This morning you cruise to other special sites and islands. A fresh seafood lunch is served on the boat. Disembark midday. After the cruise you drive back to Hanoi. (Breakfast, Lunch) |
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Fri 10th
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HOI AN
After breakfast, transfer to Hanoi Domestic Airport for flight VN315, departing to Da Nang at 1020am. Arrive Da Nang Airport 1135am. Transfer to the Hoi An Beach Resort for check-in. Rest of day free. (Breakfast)
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Sat 11th |
HOI AN
After an early breakfast, transfer at 8:00 am to the busy waterside local markets. Great photo opportunities. Your guide will then take you on a half day walking tour of Hoi An Old Township, including a merchant’s house, a pagoda, museum and the Japanese Covered Bridge. (The guide will show you today the Morning Glory Cooking School where you have your class and dinner tomorrow.) Afterwards, find a place at the water’s edge for lunch. Rest of the day free for ordering clothes or wandering. (Breakfast)
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Sun 12th
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HOI AN
After breakfast, you have most of the day for shopping, swimming in wonderful pools or at the beach or wandering the township. This afternoon at 5:00 pm, there is a private cooking class at a famous Hoi An Cooking School (Morning Glory Cooking School, 106 Nguyen Thai Hoc St, Hoi An). Your dinner tonight is what you have cooked plus other delicious courses. (Breakfast, Dinner) |
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Mon 13th
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HOI AN
Free day in Hoi An. Relax at the pool, buy more clothes, or enjoy the service on the beach. (Breakfast) |
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Tue 14th |
HUE
After breakfast, you will be picked up for your private transfer with guide from Hoi An to Hue. You visit the Marble Mts and the Mausoleum of Khai Dinh enroute. Check in to hotel in Hue. (Breakfast)
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Wed 15th |
SAIGON
This morning, check out of the hotel after breakfast, and have a half day tour to the Forbidden City and Citadel of Imperial Hue and the Thein Mu Pagoda. Transfer to the Hue airport for flight VN251 departing to Saigon at 0910am. Arrive Saigon 1030am. Transfer to hotel. The Continental Hotel is a famous landmark in central District 1 in Saigon. Graham Green stayed here when writing “{The Quiet American”. Rest of day free to explore Saigon. (Breakfast) |
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Thur 16th |
MEKONG DELTA
After breakfast, begin your private Mekong Delta excursion. You will be picked up at 8:00 am at your hotel. Drive to Mytho for boat cruise. Return to the main land for lunch at a local restaurant. Afterwards, continue to Can Tho. Dinner and overnight in Cantho. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) |
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Fri 17th |
MEKONG DELTA
After breakfast, transfer to the 3 hr boat cruise visiting Phung Hiep floating market. Return to the mainland and transfer back to your hotel for freshen up before lunch. Say goodbye to the Mekong, and drive back to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. (Breakfast, Lunch) |
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Sat 18th |
CU CHI TUNNELS
After breakfast begin your full day tour to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels before returning to Saigon to visit the confronting re-Unification Palace. Rest of day free. (Breakfast)
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Sun 19th |
SAIGON TO SIEM REAP
After breakfast, you will need to check out from the hotel for your transfer to the airport for flight VN827 departing at 1120am from Vietnam. Arrive Siem Reap 1240pm. You will be met and transferred with an English speaking guide to your hotel for check-in. In the afternoon, you will be taken on a city tour, visiting Siem Reap river, Artisant d’Ankor, finishing by visiting the old market. (Breakfast)
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Mon 20th |
SIEM REAP
After breakfast, your guide will take you for a tour of the temples starting by the south gate of Angkor Thom, Bayon, Baphoun, Elephant and Leper King Terrace. In the afternoon you will continue exploring the marvellous Angkor Wat Temples then enjoy sunset view from the top of Bakheng Hill. (Breakfast)
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Tue 21st |
SIEM REAP TO SINGAPORE
After breakfast, transfer to Siem Reap Airport for flight MI622 departing at 1040am to Singapore. Transfer to flight SQ255 in Singapore departing at 2320 to Brisbane.
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Wed 22nd |
ARRIVE BRISBANE
Arrive Brisbane 0845 am.
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Costs:
$4685* + Air taxes ($450) - as at 1/8/08
Single supplement $900
* based on minimum group of 10
What IS Included:
Flights from Australia with Singapore Airlines
Internal flights Vietnam & Cambodia
Full time tour escort
14 nights accom in 3 & 4 star hotels
Meals as shown on itinerary.
1 night on Bai Tho Junk – Halong Bay
Other meals as shown on itinerary
All transport in private air-conditioned vehicles
All entries, tours and entertainment as shown on itinerary.
Professional Vietnamese guides
Information Kit and pre-departure advice.
*Taxes subject to change
What is NOT included :
Tips, gratuities and visas
Air and departure taxes
Other meals not on itinerary
Personal items, travel insurance
   
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If you would like more information on this tour please email Judy at
or complete the booking form and email it to:
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Canada and Alaska — Fully Escorted
Itinerary - 20 days departing Sunday May 17th 2009
(Open Brochure for full pricing)
| Date |
Details |
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Sun 17th
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AUSTRALIA to VANCOUVER
Fly with Air New Zealand (from BNE, SYD, MEL) via Auckland direct to Vancouver, arriving early afternoon (same day, due to time difference). We will be met on arrival and transferred to our central hotel.
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Mon 18th
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VANCOUVER
Morning tour in Vancouver. Afternoon free. (B)
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Tue 19th
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WHISTLER & SUN PEAKS
Drive through beautiful scenery north east from Vancouver to the ski resort at Whistler, and then to Lillooet, Hat Creek Ranch and to Sun Peaks. Overnight at Delta Sun Peaks Ski Resort. (B, D)
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Wed 20th
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To LAKE LOUISE
Travel along the Trans Canada Highway through Kamloops, Shuswap Lakes, Revelstoke National Park and climb the Rockies through Rogers Pass to Lake Louise. Overnight at the Fairmont Chateau in Lakeside rooms. (B, D)
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Thur 21st
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To BANFF
Free morning to enjoy the surrounds of Lake Louise. In the afternoon, drive via Johnston Canyon to Banff, with sightseeing including Bow Falls, the Hoodoo Lookout and Surprise Corner. Overnight at Banff Caribou Lodge. (B)
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Fri 22nd
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BANFF
Free morning in Banff. In the afternoon, we take a boat cruise on Lake Minnewanka, and also a Gondola ride to Sulfur Mountain for spectacular views of Banff and the mountains. (B, D)
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Sat 23rd |
LAKE LOUISE to JASPER
Morning departure along the Icefield Parkway passing Crowfoot Glacier and Bow Lake to the Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Glacier. Here enjoy a drive on the Glacier and lunch. Further north see the spectacular Athabasca Falls before arriving in Jasper to stay at Lobstick Lodge. (B, L)
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Sun 24th
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ROCKY MOUNTAINEER
Board the Rocky Mountaineer for a spectacular train journey from Jasper to Vancouver (Red Leaf). There are plenty of wildflife sightseeing opportunities today. Overnight in Kamloops Hotel. (You will not have access to your luggage during the two day rail tour, so have an overnight bag ready). Enjoy dinner & show (included) tonight. (B, L, D)
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Mon 25th
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ROCKY MOUNTAINEER
Early morning transfer back to Kamloops railway station to continue our rail tour through Hell’s Gate, the Fraser Canyon and the Coastal Mountains to Vancouver. We will arrive in Vancouver late in the afternoon and travel via the BC Ferry to Victoria. Overnight at Executive House Hotel. (B, L)
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Tue 26th |
VICTORIA
Morning tour of Victoria including Butchart Gardens, 19th century stone buildings, Chinatown, Antique Row and the Rockland area. Travel along Marine Drive and view the Olympic Mountains (Washington, USA) and Strait of Juan de Fuca. Afternoon free to browse boutiques, visit galleries or stroll through Beacon Hill Park. (B)
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Wed 27th |
EMBARK CRUISE
Travel back to Vancouver by ferry and transfer to the Vancouver Pier to board our cruise ship the ms Volendam. Our Holland America ship departs Vancouver at 5.00pm. (B, L, D)
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Thur 28th |
CRUISE
Cruising the Inside Passage. (B, L, D)
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Fri 29th |
CRUISE (JUNEAU)
Scenic cruising to Juneau, Alaska. (B, L, D)
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Sat 30th |
CRUISE (SKAGWAY)
Skagway, Alaska. (B, L, D)
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Sun 31st |
CRUISE (GLACIER BAY)
Scenic cruising Glacier Bay National Park. (B, L, D)
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Mon 1st June |
CRUISE (KETCHIKAN)
Ketchikan, Alaska. (B, L, D)
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Tue 2nd |
CRUISE
Cruising the Inside Passage. (B, L, D)
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Wed 3rd |
VANCOUVER
Cruise back into Vancouver, arriving 7.00am this morning. Disembark cruise boat. Coach transfer in the afternoon to Vancouver Airport for our flight home via San Francisco and Auckland. (B)
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Thur 4th |
In FLIGHT
In flight (cross the date line again).
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Fri 5th |
ARRIVE BRISBANE
Arrive Australia in morning.
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(Click on Print Details below to see full pricing)
Cruise Boat Staterooms:
Holland America MS Volendam
All our booked staterooms are LARGE OUTSIDE STATEROOMS (Category EE)
You can upgrade to larger balcony staterooms (Verandah Suites or Deluxe Verandah Suites).
(Prices on request.)
See the Holland America website for on-board details:
www.hollandamerica.com
Shore Excursions on the Cruise:
Shore excursions are an optional extra from the cruises at the three ports of call (Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan). Email
for information.
Exclusions:
Gratuities; Cruise Port Taxes ($520 approx); airline and country taxes: ($458 approx.), other meals not on the itinerary; personal items, travel insurance.
NB: Upgrades and shore excursions subject to availability.
(Click on Print Details to see full pricing)
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If you would like more information on this tour please email Judy at
or complete the booking form and email it to:
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Wonders of China and Hong Kong — Fully Escorted
Itinerary - 19 days departing Sunday August 2nd 2009
(Open Brochure for full pricing)
| Date |
Details |
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Sun 2nd
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Fly from Brisbane on Cathay Pacific departing at 12.45am. Arrive Beijing 12.30pm. Transfer to hotel for 3 nights. Afternoon at leisure.
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Mon 3rd
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BEIJING
Start touring with a stroll along Tiananmen Square before walking through the treasure filled Forbidden City. Later on a visit to the Hutongs by rickshaw and then visit the unique Temple of Heaven built in the 15th Century. Evening includes ‘Peking Duck’ dinner.
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Tue 4th
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BEIJING
Morning tour of The Great Wall. Begun over two thousand years ago, it stretches more than 5,000 kilometres. This afternoon we will wander through the landscaped beauty of The Summer palace. Evening Chinese Acrobatic show.
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Wed 5th
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BEIJING TO XIAN
Fly to the former imperial capital of Xian on the banks of the Yellow River for a 2 night stay. Visit Shaanxi Museum and in the evening enjoy traditional Shui Jiao dumpling banquet.
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Thur 6th |
XIAN
Today we visit the most important archaeological discovery of the 20th Century, the life-size Terracotta Warriors before stopping at the Ancient City Wall; one of the few remaining in all of China. Later we stroll through the lively Muslim Quarter and explore the Islamic food markets. In the evening we enjoy a performance of Tang Dynasty Dancing.
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Fri 7th
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XIAN TO WUHAN
In the morning we visit Little Wild Goose Pagoda before our transfer to the airport to fly to Wuhan. Upon arrival, transfer by coach to Yichang (approx 5 hours) to pre-board Yangtze cruise. The Yangtze River is undeniably one of the world’s great and legendary waterways which travels over 6,300 km to pour into the ocean at Shanghai.
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Sat 8th - Mon 10th |
YANGTZE CRUISE
Enjoy a tour to the Three Gorges Dam before cruising on the mighty Yangtze River. Along the way we will cruise through some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, the Three Gorges and take some shore excursions to explore the fascinating history and tranquil landscapes.
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Tue 11th |
Disembark cruise in Chongqing and visit the new Panda House at Chongqing Zoo before transferring to airport for flight to Guilin, one of China’s greener and more picturesque cities, where we will stay overnight. |
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Wed 12th |
YANGSHUO
Today we relax on the Li River Cruise to Yangshuo. Our boat journey takes us past tranquil farming, fishing scenes, picturesque villages and the magical limestone karsts that tower above the river. Overnight in Yangshuo. Spend the evening walking the cobblestone streets or relax in a street side café and enjoy the colourful atmosphere of this enchanting town.
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Thur 13th |
GUILIN
This morning we tour Yangshuo before returning to Guilin. Here we visit the stunning Reed Flute Caves. These dramatic limestone caves are so named because clumps of slender reed, which the locals used to make musical instruments, were once commonly found around the entrances.
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Fri 14th |
SHANGHAI
Fly to the exciting city of Shanghai for 2 nights. Shanghai is often referred to as the ‘Paris of the East’. In the afternoon we will visit the superb antiquities and fine arts of the Shanghai Museum and wander the surrounds of neighbouring People’s Square.
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Sat 15th |
SHANGHAI
Further explore the city with sightseeing tours to the Yu Gardens and the Old Town, the famous Bund and its impressive collection of 1920’s neo classical buildings, the Pudong area and explore the Xintiandi precinct with its collection of 1920’s style ‘shikumen’ buildings unique to Shanghai. This evening enjoy a panoramic river cruise on the Huangpu River.
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Sun 16th |
SHANGHAI TO HONG KONG
At leisure until transfer to airport for flight to Hong Kong. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel for 3 nights.
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Mon 17th - Tue 18th |
HONG KONG
At leisure to shop and explore this exciting city.
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Wed 19th |
HONG KONG TO AUSTRALIA
Day at leisure until transfer to airport for departure flight to Australia departing at 11.30pm. (Late checkout not included).
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Thur 20th |
BRISBANE
Arrive Brisbane International Airport 11.55am
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Cost - $5,427* + Fuel Surcharge $440 as @ 20/11/08 (subject to change)
Single supplement $1,318
* based on minimum group of 10 and subject to currency fluctuations.
Inclusions:
- Flights from Australia with Cathay Pacific
- China domestic flights
- Full time tour escort
- Accom as stated based on twin share 3 & 4 Star Hotels
- Full board daily in mainland China, breakfast daily in Hong Kong
- 4 night Yangtze River Cruise on 4 star Cruise Ship
- All touring and transfers as per itinerary
- All entries, tours and entertainment as shown on itinerary
- Professional Chinese guides
- Visa fees for Australian passport holders
- Australian & International ticketed departure taxes
Exclusions:
- Tips and gratuities (approx $100AUD)
- Airline fuel surcharges (approx $440)
- Personal items, travel insurance
- Anything not specified here
(Click on Print Details to see full pricing)
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If you would like more information on this tour please email Judy at
or complete the booking form and email it to:
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Wonders of Egypt plus 3 days Dubai — Fully Escorted
October 2009 Draft Itinerary
| Date |
Details |
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Wed 14th
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All our flights are non-smoking.
Check in Brisbane International Airport by 1200 midnight. All travellers, before leaving check-in, please check that any seating or meals requests have been considered. Please read the leaflet enclosed with your documents regarding new restrictions for liquids, aerosols and gels carried in your hand luggage. Depart Australia on EK 435 at 2030hrs (8.30pm).
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Thu 15th
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Arrive Dubai. Connect with flight to Cairo -- EK 923 at 1500. Arrive Cairo, Egypt at 1700 and transfer to your hotel. . (D) |
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Fri 16th
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CAIRO
Full Day tour Cairo Museum, Citadel and Alabaster Mosque, and Old Christian Cairo. Visit Sound & Light show at Pyramids. (B) Welcome dinner at the hotel
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Sat 17th
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CAIRO to ALEXANDRIA
Full Day tour Pyramids, Sphinx, Sakkara and Memphis. Drive to Alexandria along the desert road. Check into hotel. (B,D) |
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Sun 18th
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ALEXANDRIA – CAIRO
Visit Library, Museum, Catacombs, Roman Theatre and Montazah Gardens. In the afternoon, drive to Cairo. (B)
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Mon 19th
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TO LUXOR and CRUISE
Transfer to airport, and fly EgyptAir to Luxor (MS115; 0715 - 0815). Transfer to cruise boat. Lunch on board. Visit Karnak & Luxor Temples). Afternoon tea. Dinner on board. Overnight in Luxor. (B, L, D)
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Tue 20th |
CRUISE
Breakfast on board. Visit the West Bank – The Valley of the Kings & Queens, The temple of Queen Hatshepsut at El-Deir El-Bahari & the Colossi of Memnon. Lunch on board. Sail to Edfu. Afternoon tea. Dinner on board. Overnight in Edfu. (B, L, D)
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Wed 21st
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CRUISE
Breakfast on board. Visit Horus Temple in Edfu. Sail to Kom Ombo. Lunch on board. Visit Kom Ombo. Afternoon tea during sailing to Aswan. Dinner on board. Overnight in Aswan. (B, L, D)
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Thu 22nd
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CRUISE
Breakfast on board. Visit the High Dam, the Temple of Philae & Unfinished Obelisk. Sail on the Nile by Felucca around Kitchener’s island. Afternoon tea. Dinner on board. Overnight in Aswan. (B, L, D)
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Fri 23rd |
ABU SIMBEL – ASWAN
Breakfast on board. Disembark cruise and fly to Abu Simbel. Fly back to Aswan. Overnight Aswan. (B)
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Sat 24th |
ASWAN to CAIRO to DUBAI
Transfer to airport for flight to Cairo (MS 134; 0800 – 0925). You will be met at the airport and transferred to the famous Khan el Khalili bazaar for great shopping. Group will be picked up from the markets and transferred to Cairo airport at approx. 3:30pm. Fly Emirates to Dubai. EK 924 departing Cairo at 1830. Arrive Dubai at 0005. Transfer to hotel. (B)
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Sun 25th |
DUBAI
Free to shop and explore. (B)
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Mon 26th |
DUBAI
Free to shop and explore. (B)
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Tue 27th |
Transfer to airport. Check in by 0800 for Emirates flight EK 434, departing at 1020 (direct) for Brisbane. (B) |
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Wed 28th |
Arrive Brisbane International at 0635. |
What IS Included:
- Return international flights with Emirates Airlines - Economy class
- All transfers and internal flights
- All transport in air-conditioned coaches
- 4 night deluxe Nile Cruise
- Abu Simbel flights, entries etc.
- Breakfast each day. Other meals as shown.
- Deluxe hotels
- All entries and touring as shown on itinerary.
- Professional Egyptologist guide
- Full time Australian escort
- Twin share on first come basis
- Information Kit and pre-departure information and advice
What is NOT included :
- • Tips and gratuities, approx $100AUD
- • Visa – obtained before departure approx $70
- • Airline taxes approx $180
- • Personal items, travel insurance
- • Anything not specified above
Cost - $8,317* + Taxes $180 @ 10/12/08 (subject to change).
Single supplement $2,040
* based on minimum group of 10 and subject to currency fluctuations.
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If you would like more information on this tour please email Judy at
or complete the booking form and email it to:
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Details for the following tours are still being finalised! If you would like to express interest on the following tours, please let us know via the Contact Page:
- Egypt and Dubai - October 2009
- Gallipoli, Turkey and Greece - March/April 2010
- Italy In Spring - May 2010
- African Wildlife Safari - June/July 2010
- UK and France - August 2010
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