Category Archives: Expressions of Interest
General Update From The Shoalhaven Solo Sisters
We have a few updates for everyone in regards to our group departures, as well as our classifieds where single travellers have requested we seek out companions for them for specific trips. To start with though let me announce that we have still got a few limited spaces on our 2015 Golfing Tour of New Zealand .. if you were looking to travel you can find details here but spaces are limited so if you want to go contact Julie now on (02) 4421 5577 to secure your Space
Updated Group Departures Notices
Hong Kong Experience: SOLD OUT!
We have come to a point where we have to close sales on this trip, it looks to be a fantastic departure and those signed up are incredibly excited – keep an eye on our website towards the end of September and we may post up a happy snap or two from the trip.
Hunter Valley Weekender: CANCELLED!
We have sadly not made the numbers for our Hunter Getaway. To that end we are cancelling it – for those that have paid deposits we shall be in touch shortly to talk about refunds and alternatives.
Murray River Weekender: From AU$777 Per Person Share Twin*
At this stage we are still short numbers to confirm this departure – if you have ever wanted to experience a traditional Paddle Steamer this is your chance. Let us know now if you want to come along!
Canada & Alaska: from AU$11,422.50 per person share twin before discounts, subject to Availability.*
We have just passed our 12 Month Early payment special. We do still have a few other special options available and for those booking in August we can still offer our AU$250 early deposit discount. For full payments in August to October we can offer an AU$200 per person early payment discount, or AU$100 per person for payments made between November and January. At this stage you can still have the per person share twin price discounted down to a price starting at AU$10,972.50 per person – so if you want to go this is the time to confirm. New Flyer Available Here!
Spectacular Europe River Cruise: from AU$10,275 per person share twin before discounts, subject to availability.*
For those wanting to take advantage of the AU$400 per person early payment discount, then now is the time to book as this expires on 30 August. We are also down to 1 cabin left in Category E – meaning once that goes any cabin price will start in Category D, an extra AU$295 per person. New Flyer Available Here!
*Terms and Conditions Apply
Updated Classified Notices
Wild West, Cowboys and Buffalos: Lady Seeking Travel Companion 2014/2015 Tour
We have a lady seeking a travel companion for a trip taking in the Wild West of the USA on a Trafalgar experiences programme! Experience a program filled with scenes of the Old West. Experience the natural wonders of Yellowstone National Park and get a taste of exciting ranch life at The Ranch at Ucross. Saddle up for a horseback ride and rub shoulders with true wranglers as you discover the unique wildlife of Bear County USA and the majesty of the iconic Mount Rushmore on this Wild West holiday. Please contact us for more details if this sounds like something of interest for you!
China 2015: Lady Seeking Travel Companion, May 2015
We have a lady that is travelling to China and doesn’t mind sharing – so if you would like to go and meet a room-mate before travelling this may be the option for you! 21 Days from Sydney to Sydney, visiting Shanghai, Beijing, Xian, the Yangtze River, Yuangshao, Guilin, Kunming and Lijiang. Covering the best highlights of China from the Great Wall and the Terracotta Warriors to the Three Gorges and the Stone Forest. A fantastic exploration of this destination. If you are interested in possibly doing this please do not hesitate to contact us!
European River Cruise: Lady Seeking Companion, September 2015
We have a lady joining our European Splendours Cruise who is looking to extend and do the Rhone from Paris to Nice taking in the highlights of Southern France including Beaune, Chalon-Sur-Saone, Tournus, Macon, Lyon, Vienne, Tournon, Vivers, Avignon and Arles enroute. The option is there to join for both cruises, or just on the Rhone. If you are interested please contact us for further details!
Red Hatters Cruise: Lady Seeking Companion, February 2015
For those that have been considering joining the Red Hatters Cruise to Moreton Island we do have a single Lady looking to travel with someone – so if you were wary of a single cabin cost this is your opportunity to save! Just contact us for more details!
Canada & Alaska, May 2015 – Current Specials
We may have passed our “12 Month Early Payment” time limit for our May 2015 Evergreen Canada and Alaska Tour but there are still plenty of reasons to book aboard our departure and more discounts to still be had!
At the moment the prices start from AU$11,422.50 per person share twin, including flights to and from Australia, rail, cruise and land arrangements.*
By booking and paying a deposit in August we can still offer on that an AU$250 per person discount. By paying in Full between now and October we can offer a further AU$200 per person discount , or for those that pay in full by January an AU$100 per person discount. So that is still a possible saving of up to AU$550 per person (or AU$1100 per couple) that is still available !
So why book? What makes this departure so special?
First off we have a fantastic programme taking in the best of the Rocky Mountains and the Inside Passage, travelling from Vancouver to Seattle, with stops at Lake Louise, Kamloops, Banff, Juneau and much more. The programme itself covers a fantastic array of sites without feeling rushed spending an average of 2 nights in most of our ports of call.
Secondly we are experiencing everything you would on an APT or Scenic Tour – the Fairmont Châteaux at Lake Louise, the Rocky Mountaineer train journey, an Inside Passage Cruise with Holland America. Experiencing, but at a much lessened cost thanks to taking in a few more realistic options – silver leaf service on the train, non-lake facing rooms at the Châteaux and so on.
Thirdly (and possibly most importantly) the company! By joining this departure you will be travelling with similarly minded travellers, mostly from your local region, travellers who will give you a common point of interest as well as understanding. More to the point, if enough of our locals head off we will personally escort you all the way from Sydney, lending the experienced insights and options that our decades in the travel industry have brought us, making for an exceptionally unique experience.
So if you are still interested in coming to Canada then get in touch with us today, either give us a call on (02) 4421 5577 or email us on nowra@mytravelexpert.com.au
*Special Terms and Conditions apply to all costings, and all prices are subject to availability
Bring A Friend, Or Bring A Few …
Here are 5 reasons to look at coming along on our Moreton Island Cruise this 11 February aside from taking a look at one of the Islands of Queensland.
1. Try Out Your Sea Legs!
There are a lot of travellers out there unsure how they will cope with a cruise, a short duration cruise like our Moreton Island Trip is a perfect way to see how well you can handle the Ocean Swells without commiting to a cruise of over a week.
2. A Perfect Chance To Celebrate!
Having a special anniversary in 2014? Perhaps a 50th Birthday or a 30th wedding anniversary for an example? Cruising is a fantastic way to mark the occassion in a way you won’t forget.
3. Fantastic Get-Together!
Better yet everyone enjoys getting out with their friends and mates and having a great time, a short cruise is the perfect way to get out and celebrate with friends and family with less clean up and preperation.
4. Solo Sisters Trial Run
If you have been considering joining the Shoalhaven Solo Sisters and have a lady that you have been considering going on tour with a short cruise is the perfect way to see if you are compatable before you embark on a month long journey
5. Relax and Rewind
Finally a cruise is the perfect way to relax and rewind, no work, no cooking, just you, the sea and a few days of being catered to. The perfect way to kick back and simply enjoy yourself.
So if you want to join us on the 11th February, sailing from Sydney to Moreton Bay and Back over 4 nights on the Pacific Jewel,
we have cabins available from AU$749 per person twin share in an Inside Cabin and rom AU$819 per person share twin in an outside cabin.
For more details please don’t hesitate to contact us on (02) 4421 5577
Europe, the USA & Beyond …
Get Away with Trafalgar & Insight
These days there are a number of tour operators that are beginning to realise that there is a need to match up single travellers – because nobody wants to pay a huge chunk of cash to do what everyone else is doing simply because they are on their own.
Two of those tour operators are Trafalgar Tours and Insight Vacations. These are two names that many of you would recognise, running set departure tours throughout Europe, the USA and most recently Asia and South America. Both companies have a “match up” policy where they attempt to match you up with another single traveller on their tours, it does help you save and if they can’t find a match they will usually allow you to travel anyway without paying a single supplement!
So if you have considered a trip around Europe to see the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, the Eiffel Tower or more than there are options. If you wanted to travel the Rocky Mountains, see the Grand Canyon or explore the wonders of Canada and the USA then we may have something for you! All you need to do is let us know you would like some information and we can get something to you.
Wine & Cheese Weekend
Just a last reminder that if you were thinking of joining us at the Nowra RSL on the 12th July for some Cheese and Wine Tasting then please RSVP by the 1st July.
Murray River Getaway & Hunter Valley Wine Weekend
We have about half the numbers we need for the Murray Valley Getaway – so if you were wanting to experience a few days aboard a traditional Paddlesteamer than now is the time to reserve your spot. We also need quite a few more travellers to confirm our Hunter Valley Weekend – so we encourage those who want to come to let us know!
Update: Race Day, P&O, Hong Kong, Canada & Indulgence
Just a quick update on a few Upcoming Events and Group Departures
SSS Race Day: Join us at Shoalhaven Turf Club for a fantastic day at the races, it is a fantastic opportunity to mix and mingle with other Solo Sisters and our staff. A perfect chance to meet up with some of those who may be amenable to travelling with you. If you want to come please let us know before the 23rd May at the latest as we only have limited tickets for giveaway!
P&O Walkaround: We have an extremely limited number of spaces left on our 12 June P&O Ship inspection. At $55 for the day including lunch, transport from Nowra and the Ship Inspection it’s a great value for a fantastic day out. If you would like to come call us on 02 4421 5577 immediately.
Hong Kong Experience: At AU$3393.00 per person our upcoming Hong Tour is a fantastic offer, although billeted as a Shopping Tour the tour is not just for shoppers and most of the shopping is during our non-scheduled time. So if you want to see Hong Kong for any reason this is a great chance to do so. This trips sales period ends though on 31 May, so get in now if you would like to join
Canada & Alaska: Our presale on the May 2015 Canada and Alaska Group has sadly closed – those lucky to have booked will be hearing from us soon. Departing 16 May 2015 we still have space available at AU$10,295 per person share twin. We also have a partners fly free special available at the moment so it is a great idea to look at booking now while seats are available. Please feel free to check out our programme HERE!
Relax, Rewind, Revive: We recently promoted an upcoming indulgence trip we are running in 2015. This trips is all about truly relaxing. Enjoy a laugh on a comedy cruise, knock back a few samples as we visit some of the best wineries near Auckland, and relax to a great massage in Rotorua. Well we now have the full itinerary up and available here! This programme will run on a minimum of 10 travellers and a maximum of 16, so if you are interested in going you should put your name down now!
Relax, Rewind, Revive with Shoalhaven Solo Sisters
Everyone needs from time to time a chance to kick back, unwind and relieve themselves of the stresses of day to day lives. Sometimes though this doesn’t happen when one stays at home – things crop up and you end up spending your downtime being so busy you don’t end up feeling relaxed by the time you are due to head back to the grind.
To that end we have a fantastic trip guaranteed to relax and revive. A dash of humour starts off our little getaway as we depart on a four day comedy cruise from Sydney to Auckland. We follow this up with some pure indulgence in New Zealand itself, first sampling some of the famed New Zealand Wines, then taking off to Rotorua for a Traditional Maori Cultural experience and a fantastic spa package at Hells Gate – Massage, facial, thermal walk, mud soak and spa.
Comedy, Wine and Spa – What more is needed to truly relax!
So if you want to pamper yourself, a friend, or a partner, if you want to truly relax and rewind
THEN GIVE US A CALL TODAY!
2 – 11 April 2015, Sydney-Sydney
From AU$3441 Per Person Share Twin
Includes: 4 Night P&O Comedy Cruise, 2 Nights in Auckland, 3 Nights in Rotorua, Full Board On Cruise and 10 Meals in New Zealand, Transfers in New Zealand, 2 Full Day Tours, Rotorua Spa Day, Return Airfares , Prepayable Taxes and surcharges
* Based on Inside Cabins & dependant on Availability. For Options including Outside or Balcony CabinsSingle Supplement please ask us
Expressions Of Interest: Christmas Markets
One of the best things about travelling, is the experiences it allows you to have, especially when those experiences are not something we have easy access to on a daily basis close to home. This December (probably the 5th) we are looking at heading to Europe to experience something we don’t have here in Australia – a white winter, and the German Christmas Markets.
Ever since the 1300’s there has been some form of Christmas Markets in Germany especially in the areas around Rothenburg ob de Tauber, Wurzenburg and Bamburg. What this tour we are proposing will do will allow you to travel to Europe, see some of the highlights of Germany’s historical sights at a unique time of year, combined with a long running event that is even today still a unique experience. The Historic wooden and cobbled towns will be dusted with snow, adorned with decorations and lit up late into the night so one can explore the culinary delights of Germany, sample fine German wines, and enjoy the Christmas Markets. A fantastic opportunity for the shopper or those who enjoy experiencing unique cultural events.
For the shopper though you will have the unique opportunity to uncover traditionally made toys alongside their contemporary counterparts, you will find stalls of hand crafted and intricately detailed Christmas decorations, as well as a number of stalls, booths and shop fronts that will selling wonderful sweets, foods and drinks .. some of which are only regularly made during this of the year, and in some cases by tradition only consumed on certain dates!
A perfect winter getaway mixed with a magical taste of Christmas. For those that are considering coming along on this experience you will have the opportunity of getting first class service from your local tour manager plus the tour escort who will journey ex-Sydney (with minimum numbers). You will have the unique experience of attending an evening choral concert at the Benedictine Abbey in Amorbach. You will visit the medieval town of Rothunburg ob de Tauber, as well as Wertheim with its Glass Museum, Miltenburg with is Half Timbered Houses, and more. Then there is the whole Christmas Market experience as you visit a number of markets including Nurembergs fames “Christkindlemarkt”, Wurzburgs Christmas Markets and Kathe Wolfhart’s World Famouse Christmas Village Shop.
Expected land Itinerary:
Day One: Arrive in Frankfurt
Meet and greet at Frankfurt Airport with the specialist tour manager and a transfer to the deluxe coach to start the tour. Drive to Rothenburg ob der Tauber; a beautiful small town with medieval buildings and cobbled streets. Time at leisure to explore the town, take a horse and carriage ride or walk the restored city walls. Dinner in a local ‘gasthaus’ and an overnight stay at the hotel.
Day Two: The Shopping Begins
Today the serious business starts with a visit to the Käthe Wohlfahrt’s world famous Christmas village shop. A true cavern of delight full of decorations. In the afternoon and evening watch the Christmas decoration lights come on, the market stalls come to life and take time to browse the market and take in the sights and aromas. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day Three: Wertheim/Miltenburg/Amorbach
Today travel to Wertheim to visit the glass museum and watch demonstrations of the production and design from the traditional to the modern. Continue to Miltenburg, with its half timbered houses, for a short stop to indulge in the local biscuits and coffee. Onto to Amorbach for an evening choral concert in its Benedictine abbey, accompanied by its famous baroque organ. Return to Rothenburg ob der Tauber for an overnight stay.
Day Four: Wuerzburg Christmas Market
Morning at leisure to explore and shop or just relax and take in the atmosphere. Afternoon excursion to the Wuerzburg Christmas Market; one of the most atmospheric in Germany held against the historical backdrop of the Gothic St. Mary’s Chapel and the ‘Falkenhaus’ Rococco mansion. A delightful selection of Christmas goods are on offer here at the beautifully decorated wooden booths. The town hall’s historical courtyard also hosts an artists’ Christmas market. Return in the early evening to Rothenburg ob der Tauber for an overnight stay.
Day Five: Bamberg
The morning free to explore and shop, or just relax and take in the atmosphere. An afternoon excursion to Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage site, including visits to the town hall and cathedral. Experience Bamberg’s charming Christmas Market steeped in tradition. Explore the nativity scenes and over 50 market stalls offering Christmas decorations, ornaments and sweet delicacies from around the region. Return in the early evening to Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
Day Six: Nuremburg
Travel to Nuremberg to take a city tour starting with the Toy Museum, which has displays covering toys from antiquity to the present day. Then a more traditional visit to the Church of St Sebald, which has been on the site since 1070 and a place of pilgrimage for many to the grave of the holy Sebaldus. Then down to some serious shopping with a visit to Nuremberg’s main market square (Hauptmarkt): In the heart of the old quarter is the setting for the annual ceremony at which the ‘Christkindl’ or Christ Child opens Nuremberg’s ‘Christkindlesmarkt’, the most famous Christmas market in the world. Every year over two million visitors soak up the medieval atmosphere and romance of this miniature town of Christmas stalls. Delight in the delicious aromas of gingerbread, cinnamon, Nuremberg ‘bratwurst’, roasted almonds and ‘glühwein’. Younger visitors can enjoy the ‘Kinderweihnacht’ or children’s Christmas where a magnificent, traditional carousel comes complete with an upper tier, reindeer figures and Santa’s sleigh. Return in the evening happy, full and contented to Rothenburg ob der Tauber for an overnight stay at the hotel.
Day Seven: Depart for Home
Last minute shopping and the last chance to savour a sweet pastry or glass of ‘gluhwein’, before heading back to Frankfurt airport for the return flight home.
At this stage we would need a minimum of 10 travellers to get this tour away, and we would restrict the tour group size to 16, we prefer to keep our groups smaller as not only is it more intimate, but it allows greater access to guides and tour escorts, and allows us to add in the occasional unexpected surprise. So if you think that perhaps you would like to see some of Europe”s most incredible towns, at a time of year when the weather is unlike that experienced in Australia and when one of the worlds most unique regional experiences is available? Then Contact us now to let us know you are interested in coming!
Just call (02) 4421 5577 or e-mail nowra@mytravelexpert.com.au
Events & Festivals, Preparing To Attend Them
With Easter now upon us it has reminded us of any number of events which happen across the Globe, from the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race every boxing day to Easter Mass at the Vatican. The one thing every large event around the world shares is that for those wanting to attend it is always best to plan ahead.
Planning ahead is essential, not just so you can organise any necessary seating, tickets or entrance fees, but by planning ahead you can ensure that accommodation is available when you want it and if you are lucky you are still able to get reasonably priced flights. So what are the main things you need to be aware of when planning to attend an event and why should you book early?
Visas, and Entry Permits
To start with these are always important, if you are denied entry to a destination, planning to see an event becomes a moot point, and in some cases how you get permission will determine how you travel!
If as an example you wanted to attend the Mass Games in North Korea, as an Australia Citizen you would be required to travel via China (Beijing Specifically) to get your visa issued, which means in turn getting a visa to enter China.
It is also important to plan because some Travel Visa’s take time to acquire, for example a tourist Visa to Brazil takes up to 50 days to process with the embassy, so coming in and saying “I want to attend Carnival” two weeks before it occurs in Rio as an Australian Citizen means, whether we can secure tickets, flights and accommodation becomes meaningless next to the fact that you wouldn’t get a visa issued in time to travel.
Accommodation
Any number of events are in the end limited by the availability of who can comfortably get in to see the event and how many the local town or city can accommodate – for example only so many hotels exist in Cusco and only so much area is available for camping, so ensuring you have things planed out for a trip to view Inti Raymi is imperative.
On the Gallipoli Peninsula for example there are only a very few low quality hotels, so most stay across the straights in Cannakale or Assos (or further afield) so planning ahead ensures you have the time to choose a tour that will stay and cover what you are after. With Oktoberfest, the population in Munich booms like no other time, so if you are there to attend Oktoberfest if you want a hotel or property that is within walking (or stumbling) distance of the main beer tents then it is imperative that you book in as soon as you can or otherwise you will be up for much longer travel times.
Flights & Travel
So as you can see, ensuring you book out far enough to make sure you can be accommodated is important.
Getting there, and paying a reasonable price is at times just as imperative, and sometimes the convergence of events doesn’t help with prices if left to the last minute. For example this year as in every year Easter coincides with school holidays,add to that the fact that this year ANZAC day falls the same week that Easter Monday arrives. This mean if you were looking to travel to Europe to attend Mass at the Vatican over Easter you would be competing for flight space with school holiday makers (students, teachers and families), as well as pilgrims heading to Turkey and France to attend ANZAC Day services. Even six months out flights were already becoming more expensive than many hoped for.
Tickets and Entry
This may sound simple enough but making sure you get the right ticket for the event you are attending can be critical. Making sure you have seating at the best spot to view the parades as Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, to witness the final match at the Australian Open, or to get a close up view of the Edinburgh Tattoo. Booking ahead, or as soon as they become available means that you will have more choice in where you want to be placed, rather than simply being placed wherever is left.
Climate and Preparing for it.
Not everyone stops to consider this but, while the weather in Australia is fairly mild year round, when travelling to attend events overseas the weather can make a huge impact on your travelling arrangements. For (as an extreme example) if you attend the Harbin Ice Festival you will be in China in the midst of winter, with temperatures often below freezing which means packing heavy duty cold weather gear, a big change from the thought that you may need a jumper when you travel, making sure you have well fitted gloves and jackets means making sure you have time to get them before you travel.
As another example people attending the Dawn Service at Gallipoli will usually spend all night on the beaches, so whilst the days may be moderately warm (or not unbearably cold) the temperatures drop fast in the night and towards Dawn are almost freezing – an not every tour company provides sleeping bags for whilst you are on the beach so being prepared is definitely a key to attending this event and packing appropriately.
Finding You A Travel Companion!
Finally, and from our perspective always worth while, is that the best reason to start looking, thinking and organising early is so that if you do want us as Shoalhaven Solo Sisters (or My Travel Expert) to find someone else who is interested in travelling to the event of your choice, then the more notice you give the more chances we have of being able to find someone for you from our database and possible pool of travellers. If you let us know 12 months, or 9 months out that “hey I really want to attend Naadam in Mongolia” , then we have a chance at finding you a travel parter. Where as if you come to us 3 months before the event is due to take place the possibility of us finding someone, let alone someone who will be willing to pay an inflated price for booking closer to the event, is far, far, less probable.
So, if you are thinking about attending an event somewhere around the world, remember to get in touch with us early to ensure your arrangements are organised to meet your desires, and an affordable budget!
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- Australian Open, Melbourne
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- Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Edinburgh
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- Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Edinburgh
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- Carnival, Rio de Janeiro
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- Carnival, Rio de Janeiro
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- Calgary Stampede, Calgary
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- Ice Festival, Harbin
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- Ice Festival, Harbin
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- Mass Games, Pyongyang
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- Mass Games, Pyongyang
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- Oktoberfest, Munich
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- Oktoberfest, Munich
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- Easter Mass, Vatican City
Hong Kong – A Shopping Tour, Not Just for the Ladies
Now, we realise that we have often (and repeatedly) stressed that the main focus of all our trips and tours are for the single ladies who wish to travel but who don’t have anyone to travel with. This is, in essence, totally true. This is not though, wholly whom our market is. All our group departures, Hong Kong, Europe, Canada, Norfolk .. wherever, are built not just for us to match single travellers up, but for couples, or friends who are looking to get away in good company.
Now our upcoming Tour to Hong Kong (labelled as a shopping tour) is indeed focused towards the shopaholic, in part, we have left plenty of free time for shopping, and our day tours to Macau and Shenzen will spend some time taking in the best shopping in those areas. There are though a number of inclusions and things to do for those whom shopping holds no thrall.
Our first major day in Hong Kong after arrival for example we don’t spend shopping, we spend the day taking in the Highlights of Hong Kong, followed by an evening Junk Cruise and a fantastic traditional dinner. Later in the Week we take you our for a night at the Happy Valley Racecourse, and even the trips to Shenzen and Macau take in a number of cultural and historic sites before our “shopping visits”.
Now, whilst many of the travellers may end up visiting the shopping malls and retail centres during the free days, there is plenty for those not interested in shopping to do. There are any number of cultural and historic sights visited not in the day tours, there are Art, Maritime and Heritage Museums, there is always Disneyland for the adventurous, and a number of parks and reserves, Golf Courses, walking trails, scuba diving and more.
Hong Kong is a perfect introductory stop for those who are thinking or a longer tour through China, or for those who are considering a trip to somewhere in Asia but want a smoother introduction than a few weeks in Nepal, India or Cambodia.
Right now we can offer our package at AU$3397 per person share twin, which is a discount of AU$572 from the published rate you will see if you go to the tour page. So if an introduction to the Orient interests you, be you a single looking for someone to travel with, a pair of mates, or a couple looking for an easy going getaway .. then get in touch with us today.
My Travel Expert and Shoalhaven Solo Sisters 