Category Archives: Tours
My Thai Encounter – November 2015
When most people visit Thailand from Australia these days its to enjoy the Sun and Sand at places like Phuket, Krabi and Koh Samui, which for those that want a “beach stay” holiday is fine. Many travellers though who want an introduction to Asia and foreign cultures are now skipping Thailand in favour of places like Cambodia, Vietnam and Malaysia. The truth is though that if you get away from the beaches and resorts there is plenty to do in Thailand that will give you a first hand look at a different culture, its heritage, its cuisine and modern life and more.
For that reason we have put together what we call an introductory encounter – this is a trip where we mix up day tours with free time for exploration, or joining our escort on the free days to encounter their passions in the local region. We will be taking in the highlights of Bangkok, and for the adventurous we have an extension option into the mountain regions to see sights like Doi Inthananon Temple at Chiang Mai (Pictured above), as well as visiting remote tribes and cultures.
Departing on the 7th November 2015, and starting at AU$2400 per person twin share for the base package (not including the Chiang Mai Extension) this is the perfect way to encounter Thailand. Full details can be found here!
I was going to spend some time talking about how you can visit the Tiger Temple, the Death Railway, the incredible floating markets the Hilltribes and more .. instead I thought I would just let you take a look at some fantastic images of what there is too see and do around Bangkok and Chiang Mai so you can see for yourself a sample of some of the fantastic things we will be taking in.
To Book or for more information please contact My Travel Expert & Shoalhaven Solo Sisters on (02) 4421 5577 or e-mail nowra@mytravelexpert.com.au
My Kangaroo Island Escape
We have almost half the numbers we need to get a date set for our Kangaroo Island and South Australia Trip for late September set. We have a fantastic 7 night / 8 day getaway planned, taking in the highlights of the Barossa Valley, Adelaide and Kangaroo Island. Heading down to Adelaide and back , going on the Indian Pacific in Gold Class in one direction and by air in the other, this trip will allow you to get a true taste of South Australia’s Sights, Sounds and Cuisine. This trip will run with a minimum of 10 Travellers and can be used as a start point for those that may want to extend and do extra time in Adelaide, a Murray River Cruise or even continue along the Indian Pacific to Perth.
Expressions Of Interest: We are still seeking more interested parties for our Christmas Markets Tour, and more for our journey to Egypt which looks like it may already have enough interested travellers to get away!
Classifieds: We still have a number of travellers looking for companions for other trips including China, the Kimberleys and a North Pacific Cruise. Remember to review our classifieds regularly for updates.
Events: We have a few days left for people to register for our Silos Luncheon ($35) which is a perfect way to meet possible travelling companions, and for those that are joining our Cruise with the Red Hat Society remember we are all meeting tomorrow (20th January 2015) to hand out documents and run over any last questions.
Workshops: Finally just a quick reminder that our next three Workshops are for Singapore (February 4th 2015), Italy (April 8th 2015) and East Africa .. being Kenya and Tanzania (3rd June 2015) if you want to come just sign up online!
Discover Egypt – Or See If You Want To!
Have you ever wanted to Discover Egypt? In January 2016 My Travel Expert and Shoalhaven Solo Sisters will be leading a fantastic journey through the highlights of Egypt including those to be seen in Cairo and Alexandria and along the Nile from Luxor to Aswan. Should you want more information we urge you to join our evening workshop on the 14th January 2015 – just call or email us or register online here!
We will be running through our proposed site visits, rough itinerary and pricing, inclusions and details as well as receiving your feedback on what you would like to see that we may not be thinking of – be it the Old Palaces in Cairo or Wadi Natrun as examples.
Register now online, call us on (02) 4421 5577 or email daniel@mytravelexpert.com.au
Spaces are Limited!
Take A Hand In Shaping Your Egyptian Experience!
Have you ever wanted to explore Egypt? To walk the great Hypostyle Hall at Luxor (Image below), to sit back and enjoy High Tea at the Aswan Hotel where Agatha Christie wrote Death On The Nile, or spend some time browsing the shelves of the Great Library of Alexandria?
Then you are in luck, in January 2016, My Travel Expert and Shoalhaven Solo Sisters are running a group tour to Egypt that will take in the best of Cairo, Alexandria and the Nile. Our plan is to run a trip of between two and three weeks, including all transport, accommodation, sightseeing, entrance fees and much more.
We are not just doing what we want though, and encourage you to come in and join us on the evening of Wednesday the 14th of January 2015 to hear what we are planning and let us know what you would like included!
CONFIRM YOUR PLACE NOW!
REGISTER HERE FOR YOUR EGYPT WORKSHOP – 14 JANUARY 2015
A Limited Time Special – Moreton Island Cruise February 2015
It is a truth that a large portion of our travellers are from the Shoalhaven Region, and for them, with fantastic beaches at almost every turn the question beckons .. why would I want to go on a cruise to a Tropical Island known for its beaches?
To that I say, that it is not about the destination but the voyage. Moreton Island is fantastic, its bush, beaches and activities are the sort of thing every Australian loves, but for someone from the South Coast its not exceptional. The voyage there and back though is, as we spend 5 days and 4 nights aboard the Pacific Jewel cruising from Sydney to Sydney. You will have the opportunity to experience what it means to take an Ocean Cruise – on board entertainment, full meal inclusions, the ability to relax in good company, or to avail yourself of one of the many activities.
For those that have never cruised before our departure on the 11th February is the perfect way to get that taste of Ocean Cruising, for those that have cruised it is a perfect way to sit back and enjoy an extended weekend in some fantastic company.
If you have been considering it then here is some great news, P&O have released some last minute specials – instant book and purchase – for those that may still be interested in sailing. Cabins are limited and subject to availability but you could join us for as little as AU$698 for an inside cabin , AU$758 for an outside Cabin or AU$1158 for a balcony (please note these are lead in prices and based on two travellers per cabin).
So if you want a taste of cruising, the chance to take a loved one away for Valentines Day, or are just interested in a short break in good company .. then call us today!
Shoalhaven Solo Sisters & My Travel Expert (02) 4421 5577
SSS Update, Early December!
Seeking Expressions Of Interest: We are still hoping to settle a date for our tour to South Australia and Kangaroo Island, but we do need numbers – if you are interested in the area please let us know! We are also seeking starters for a introductory tour to Bangkok and of course our Christmas Markets tour. For more information on any of these please do not hesitate to contact us!
Classifieds: We have found a partner for the lady seeking a room-mate on Canada, if there is anyone still interested in Canada or our European River Cruise, we do still have a number of spaces available. We also have a lady travelling to China who is not averse to finding a travelling companion prior to going – if you have ever wanted to see the Great Wall, the Terracotta Warriors, the Yangtze or the Stone Forest then perhaps this is the opportunity for you. We also have a lady looking for a companion to join her in experiencing the Kimberleys either on tour or via cruise, so if you have always wanted to see the top end perhaps this is your chance!
2016 Tour Workshops: So far our workshops for our 2016 Tours (which are all being held in 2015) are starting to fill – the first one in January which will showcase our upcoming Egypt trip now has limited spaces available. Should you wish to sign up to any of our workshops please visit the My Travel Expert facebook page or register directly at Eventbrite!
A Tatse Of South Australia
We have had this weekend, a few of our staff out enjoying the sights and sounds of Adelaide. Taking in its cultural, culinary and commercial hotspots while they have been there.
While we have been hete enjoying fantastic Barossa Valley wines with great meals made from local produce, taking in the stunning artwork and fashion galleries at the State Museum or simply watching the swans by the River Torres .. we realise that this is something that everyone should get the opportunity to experience.
So we thought we would take a moment to remind everyone of an incredible package we are hoping to get a group for in 2015
My Kangaroo Island Experience, will take in the best of Adelaide, the Barossa and Kangaroo Island in a package just over a week long. Journeying to Adelaide with the Indian-Pacific, then flying home, this trip is a fantastic way to experience some of South Australias Historic, Cultural and Culinary experiences.
We will need a minimum of 15 Travellers to get this trip going, and final dates will be set when numbers are acheived.
So if you are interested in a great Australian getaway .. give us a call today!
Discovering Egypt with the Shoalhaven Solo Sisters
While the Shoalhaven Solo Sisters has had a fantastic start to things in 2014, and our tour programmes for 2015 are looking great we are already in preparation mode for our 2016 departures and for that .. we will need your help!
If you have ever wanted to travel to Egypt, we are holding a workshop this January, where you can hear where we plan to visit, what we intend to do and to hear what you would like to see and include.
So if you want to Travel To Egypt ..
SIGN UP FOR OUR WORKSHOP HERE!
Maybe though you are not convinced, maybe you think that despite the fact that things ares settling down in the region there isn’t much in Egypt to see or do. Well as someone who has travelled there over half a dozen times, and is always seeing something new let me be the first to tell you that if you wanted to see ALL that Egypt had to offer you would need over 40 days .. and thats being generous!
What can be covered in Egypt inside a two week period is incredible, and even without extending and adding is well worth the time and effort to see .. within a two week period what you would cover are the following basic areas ..
Cairo – This city while not Egypt’s most attractive is a hub of sights and sounds worth exploring. Its the gateway to the Pyramids of Giza, Saqqara and Dashur, as well as being the location from which someone views the Sphinx, the remains of the ancient City of Memphis, the Khan El-Khalili Bazaar, the Egyptian Museum, the Aberdeen Palace, Saladin Mosque, Ben Ezra Synagogue and much much more. Cairo is the melting pot of Egypt with the mix of the Ancient world blending with the Ottoman, Muslim, Jewish, Orthodox, English Colonial and others. A fantastic place to get out and get a taste of Egypt.
Alexandria – This city is often left off many Egypt itineraries which to my reckoning is always a great shame. Alexandria is possibly Egypt’s most metropolitan city with a fantastic Shoreline on the Mediterranean, which the Montazah Palace and Gardens are but a highlight, it is the best place in Egypt to experience the Roman Influence of history in the region, with more being uncovered yearly, and while the Ancient Lighthouse is at the bottom of the sea and the Ancient Library has burned down centuries ago, the new library stands as a reminder for what was there and what they are hoping to re-accomplish. Alexandria also has a fantastic Museum, that is a little more navigable then Cairo, and the walkways, byways and bazaars of Alexandria are well worth a visit. Of interest to Australians Alexandria is also the perfect place to get out and visit the battlefield sites of WW2 including El-Alemein.
Luxor – This City in Middle Egypt is a highlight of almost any trip featuring the temple complexes of the Karnak and Luxor, the Temple of Hatshepsut, the Colossi of Memnon, the Valley of the Kings and of course the start of many eoples Nile Cruises. Luxor boasts fantastic Bazaars, fine dining, great museums and some of the finest Alabaster workings in Egypt. For those wishing to venture a bit afield it is also the perfect gateway to visit the Ruins at Dendra and Abydos.
The Nile – Most Tours will cruise the Nile between Luxor and Aswan, my personal preference is to sail Upstream between Luxor and Aswan rather than downstream from Aswan to Luxor. A Cruise will take in the Highlights of Edfu and Esna as well as the Temple of Sobek, which if you are heading downstream is lit up at night, providing a magnificent hilltop backdrop as you cruise into Port.
Aswan – Then there is Aswan in the deep South, a fantastic city where old meets new, where one can visit the incredible Aswan Dam, explore the Temple Of Philae, experience Nubian Culture on a ride out past the St Simeon Fortress, encounter the vagaries of the Cataract Islands or spend time enjoying High Tea at the Aswan Hotel where Agatha Christie wrote Death On the Nile.
These are the bare basics of what is covered inside a 11 to 14 day trip to Egypt. Then there are the options of what you can do if you want to extend and see more!
Abu Simbel and Lake Nasser – Admittedly you can do the Massive complex at Abu Simbel as a day trip (and it is something well worth the price in seeing), Alternatively you can choose to explore the lake in depth with a number of cruises regularly sailing between Aswan and Abu Simbel and reverse, offering a uniquely different view of Egypts waterways, the chance to spot Nile Crocodile and the opportunity to see some of the many fantastic monuments that were saved in the relocation process while the damn was being built.
The Sinai – is the perfect place for those that love Religious History, Diving or National parks with a range of places from the shores of Sharm El Sheik to the peaks of Mount Sinai to captivate and consume.
The Western Desert and Oases – are an incredible collection of sights and places ranging from the Temple of the Oracle at Siwa, to the Mushroom Desert to the harsh but bountiful Oases at Dhakala, Kharga and Farafra. This is a trip for those who want to explore a bit more of the local culture alongside the Ancient History of Egypt
As you can see even from this brief introduction on the sites and destinations, there is plenty to see and do in Egypt, for 14 days or well beyond!
So if if that has whetted your appetite and you want to learn more about Travel To Egypt ..
SIGN UP FOR OUR WORKSHOP HERE!
My Tour Workshops – A 2015 Tour Update and a 2016 Tour Preview Brief
For those that managed to make it to our 2015 Tour Launch and 2016 Tour preview thanks for a great evening, the group was the right size to provide us with an intimate evening that allowed us to get a fantastic amount of feedback on what we running, and what we are planning to do. Our thanks.
For those that were unable to make our evening event here is (in brief) what was covered on the night – as well as a few dates for our workshops on upcoming 2016 tour packages.
First Our 2015 Tour Departures ..
11th – 15th February 2015. Sydney to Sydney. From AU$749 per person on a twin share basis. Prices variable dependant on Cabin Category, Availability and “Spot” Specials from P&O Package includes 4 night cruise from Sydney to Sydney visiting Moreton Island, inclusive of all meals* and included shipboard entertainment. A perfect getaway to trial cruising, to get away over Valentines with a loved one – or just to enjoy some fantastic company!
7th – 14th March 2015. Sydney to Sydney. From AU$2225 per person on a twin share basis. 7 Nights in Queenstown including rounds of Golf at Jacks Point, Kelvin Heights and Millbrook Golf Courses. Package includes flights to Queenstown from Sydney and return, 7 nights 4* accommodation, breakfast daily, 1 dinner at the Skyline Restaurant, 3 days golfing inclusive of green fees and cart hire, transfers in New Zealand to/from the airport and golf courses
16th May – 8th June 2015. Sydney to Sydney. From AU$11,423 per person on a twin share basis. 15 Day Canadian Rockies Tour and 7 Night Inside Passage Cruise. Package includes flights to Vancouver from Sydney and return, Rockies Tour and Inside Passage Cruise, Oceanview Room on Cruise, Silverleaf Service on Rocky Mountaineer, port taxes and surcharges, all tipping and gratuities, 43 superb meals.
17th – 24th June 2015. Sydney to Sydney. From AU$2,781 per person on a twin share basis. 8 Days visiting Kangaroo Island, Adelaide and Barossa Valley. Package includes Indian-Pacific from Sydney to Adelaide in Gold Class, 4 Nights in Adelaide and 3 on Kangaroo Island, touring daily, breakfast daily, some dinners, flight Adelaide to Sydney. Operated & Escorted based on 16 Travellers – dates subject to change
5th – 25th September 2015. Sydney to Sydney. From AU$10,570 per person on a twin share basis. A magnificent 14 day Danube cruise with 3 days in Prague and 3 days in Paris. Package includes International airfares from Sydney to Europe and return, Accommodation in Prague and Paris, Danube Cruise, Port taxes and surcharges, touring and sightseeing, tipping and gratuities, 49 superb meals, Escorted Ex-Australia
21st October – 7th November 2015. Sydney to Sydney. From AU$5359 per person on a twin share basis. A Fantastic 18 Day Programme taking in the highlights of Western USA – San Francisco, Vegas, Grand Canyon, Yosemite and more! Package includes International airfares from Sydney to LA and return, Accommodation throughout, sightseeing as detailed, some entry fees, local tour director, air-conditioned coach transport, some meals, transfers in LA
7th – 14th November 2015. Sydney to Sydney. From AU$2400 per person on a twin share basis. A fantastic Introduction to Thailand, covering the highlights of Bangkok and surrounds. Package includes International airfares from Sydney to Bangkok and Return, 4 Star Accommodation, Transfers in Bangkok, Sightseeing, Breakfast daily and more. Chiang Mai Extension Available (14th – 20th November 2014) from $980 per person in twin share
Now Taking Expressions Of Interest. Est. Cost From AU$5000 per person in twin share. An incredible European Journey taking in the wintery festivities of Germany. Fine Food, Beautiful Beverages, Spectacular Shopping and more. Highlights includes Closing of the gates with a traditional lantern lit walk in Rothenburg, the Christmas Markets of Wurzburg, Choral Concert at Amorbach’s Bennedictine Abbey, The Christkidlesmarkt and much, much more!
Then we have what we are looking at for 2016 and beyond!
Egypt – January 2016, Sydney to Sydney
Now Taking Expressions Of Interest. Highlights includes : Cairo including the Pyramids of Giza, Sphinx, Saqquara, Memphis, Khan El-Khalili, Egyptian Museum, Mosque of Saladin and More. Alexandria including Pompeii’s Pillar, the Montazah Gardens, the New Library, Kom ash-Shuqqafa and more. Nile Cruise Covering Aswan, Luxor, Edfu, Esna and Kom Ombo and their sites including the Valley of Kings and the Temple Of Karnak. Optional Extras including Abu Simbel & King Tuts Tomb
Singapore – April 2016, Sydney to Sydney
Now Taking Expressions Of Interest. Highlights includes : This tour is built for those looking to get a taste of Asia, or for the New Traveller. One Week in Singapore, mix of scheduled tours and free days. Uniquely Singapore Tours including Breakfast with the Orang-Utans and High Tea at the Raffles. Option to Extend the trip and Cruise back to Sydney with Royal Caribbean via the Top end and Queensland
Italy – May 2016, Sydney to Sydney
Now Taking Expressions Of Interest. Highlights includes : Venice Dogge’s Palace, Glassmaking, The Grand Canal and more. Hills and villages of Cinque Terre. Pisa and Florence, including the Duomo, Leaning Tower, Galleria dellÁccademia. Perugia and Spello as you visit the beautiful Umbria Region. Rome, including the Pantheon and Coliseum, Trevi Fountain, St Peters Basillica, Vatican City and more.
East Africa – July 2016, Sydney to Sydney
Now Taking Expressions Of Interest. Highlights includes : Lake Nakuru National Park and the Masai Mara National Reserve. Serengeti National Park including Ngorongoro Crater. Permanent Tented Camps. 4×4 Vehicles for use on Game Drives. Opportunity to spot the “Big 5”- Lion, Leopard, Buffalo, Rhino & Elephant. Annual Migration is usually moving between Serenget and Masai Mara in July
Spain & Morocco – September 2016, Sydney to Sydney
Now Taking Expressions Of Interest Highlights includes : Combined tour of Spain and Morocco. Highlights of Southern Spain including Seville, Grazalema, Granada, Ronda and Malaga. Imperial Cities of Morocco including Casablanca, Rabat, Mekenes, Volubilis, Fez and Marrakech. Depending on feedback we may run this as two tours (one to Spain and one to Morocco) that can be combined back to back
Dubai & UAE – Late October 2016, Sydney to Sydney
Now Taking Expressions Of Interest. Highlights includes : Highlights of Dubai including a desert safari , dhow cruise dinner, the Modern Wonders and the Old Souks. Highlights of Abu Dhabi including Ferrari World and the Falcon Rehabilitation Centre. Exploratory trip of the UAE’s Wadis, Mountains, Deserts and the Old Spice Route including Fujeirah, Musandum, Hatta and Al Ain. Option will be available to extend and discover Oman
Vietnam – November2016, Sydney to Sydney
Now Taking Expressions Of Interest. Highlights includes : Hanoi including the Old Quarter, One Pillar Pagoda and Ho Chi Minhs Mausoleum. Highlights of North Vietnam such as the Hill Tribes and a Halong Bay Junk Cruise. The Imperial City of Hue, the original capital of Vietnam and Hoian. Resort Towns of Nha Trang and Mui Ne. Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) including Cu Chi Tunnels, Reunification Palace, French Quarter and more.
South America – 2017, Sydney to Sydney
Now Taking Expressions Of Interest. Highlights includes : Return International Airfare and Regional Connections. Highlights of Peru & Bolivia – Machu Picchu, Ollyantambo, Lake Titicaca. Highlights of Argentina and Brazil including Buenos Aires, Iguasu and Rio De Janeiro. Torres del Pine National Park – a chance to see the Perito Moreno Glacier. Option to Extend and do Galapagos or Easter Islands
We are holding a number of fantastic Workshops and Seminars for our 2016 departures, simply click the above link, on the events shown on our side menu or here to register
As you can see we have an incredible array of group on the books for the next 2 years.
For more information on our 2015 programmes please feel free to give us a call, drop by for a visit or take a look at them online at www.shoalhavensolosisters.com.au
For our 2016 programmes you can call or visit us to get more information, or you can attend one of the tour workshops we will be running in 2015 where we give you the chance to help us design our tour programmes! Simply visit www.shoalhavensolosisters.com.au or visit the My Travel Expert or Shoalhaven Solo Sisters Website and register for the events now!
A Few Solo Specials From AAT Kings
Over the past few months between talking about our events, tours and trips we have been introducing information about providers like Travel Indochina and Peregrine who have a solo matching system in place. These products are great but are not the only ones out there that are thinking of solo travellers. While they are great for the most part due to no single supplements there are providers who are putting together discounted packages for solo traveller such as Insight and AAT Kings.
Specials with these other companies work on a basis of reducing the single supplement costs to as minimal as possible rather than eradicationg them altogether and matching with strangers. So if you don’t mind travelling alone and spending AU$300 on a single supplement rather than AU$600 sounds good (as an example) then let us know and we can see what would match your needs.
For now, here are a few special AAT Kings have let us know about across Australia and Tasmania
My Travel Expert and Shoalhaven Solo Sisters 