Blog Archives

There Is Nowhere Like Norfolk

Greetings from My Travel Expert and the Shoalhaven Solo Sisters!

It has been a while since our last entry, over the course of the last two years we have been battling to survive the effect that COVID-19 has had on our industry, and we are more than thrilled to be one of the businesses that has managed to pull through. During this time though, we did refrain from trying to tempt you into going away with us due to the frailty of the system, with border closures and travel bans stopping and starting seemingly weekly.

That however is behind us, and to celebrate we want to invite you to join us on our next group adventure – the first since January 2020 – to Norfolk Island in November 2022! To celebrate the return of travel and opening of borders we are re-running one of our more popular tours, and as you will see there is nowhere like Norfolk!

Like our departure in 2019, this tour will take in the best of Norfolk Islands Scenic, Cultural and Culinary and Historical Heritage, with behind the scenes visits to see how the island operates, fantastic meals, and incredible company!

7 Nights / 8 days,
Sydney to Sydney,
7th to 14th November 2022
AU$3492 Per Person Share Twin
AU$4205 Per Person In Single

Once one of the most notorious penal colonies, today Norfolk Island is a charming island paradise with cultural and historical sights than will amuse and delight. Combined with the incredible scenery and the fantastic cuisine Norfolk Island is a must see destination for all!

This programme includes return airfares ex Sydney with Qantas including all prepayable taxes, Return airport transfers, 7 nights accommodation at South Pacific Resort Hotel, Cooked Breakfast daily, 1 x 2 Course Dinner at the South Pacific Hotel, 1 x 2 Course Dinner at Hill Restaurant 1 x 2 Course Dinner at the Homestead Restaurant other meals as detailed in the itinerary and all sightseeing and entrance fees as detailed.

ITINERARY

Day 1, 7th November 2022: We depart Sydney today for the incredible Norfolk Island, flying out at 0930 with Qantas and arriving at approximately 1310. On arrival we will be met and transferred to our lodgings at the South Pacific Resort Hotel, where there is time to refresh before enjoying our welcome dinner. (D)

Day 2, 8th November 2022: A fantastic day of exploring Norfolk island awaits starting with an Orientation tour of the Island showing off sights like Kingston, Cascade, Longridge and much more. The day is brought to a close with a progressive dinner with each course served at different Norfolk island family homes. (B/L/D)


Day 3, 9th November 2022: We visit the home of prolific author Colleen McCullough this morning before enjoying an afternoon to ourselves, This evening we enjoy a traditional island feast— the island fish fry — before we head off for a night time adventure through the convict settlement at Kingston, a sound and lightshow set to bring the convict era alive. (B/D)


Day 4, 10th November 2022: This morning is all about Cheese as we head of on a Mootineers Cheese Tour of the Christian Brothers Cheese Company where we learn all about the local dairy farming, local honey production and see some truly spectacular rural Norfolk views. The remainder of the day is free until dinner at Hilli Resteraunt. (B/D)

Day 5, 11th November 2022: Today we find out what makes Norfolk Tick as we head behind the scenes to see what goes into making the island operate from Weather Monitoring to Recycling to Fishing and Power generation. This continues in the afternoon with local farming and distilling, before we take a break with Dinner and a Ghost Tour through historic Kingston. (B/D)

Day 6, 12th November 2022: While we have had some convict experiences previously, this afternoon we head out for an indepth tour of the historic Georgian Settlement of Kingston, visiting the main sights and hearing of the convict and colonial history. Our day of Convict Exploration is capped off by the famed “Night As a Convict Dinner” (B/D)

Day 7, 13th November 2022: We head out this afternoon for a visit to Two Chimney’s winery for a late lunch and wine tasting. Tonight we enjoy a farewell dinner at Homestead restaurant. (B/D)

Day 8, 14th November 2022: You may have thought the touring portion of the itinerary was done, but we have one last stop to make with a visit to the incredible Cyclorama – an inspiring visual journey through Norfolk Island’s history. Afterwards, having already checked out of our hotel we continue on to the airport where you will have time for light refreshments before we board our plane at roughly 1410 and fly for Sydney where this tour concludes upon arrival at around 1600. (B)

*Please note that Itinerary may be subject to change based on local conditions

If all this sounds fantastic, and you want to have as great a time as our last adventurous bunch of convicts then now is the time to book your space on this incredible getaway! Get in touch with My Travel Expert and the Shoalhaven Solo Sisters today!

Telephone: (02) 4421 5577
Email: nowra@mytravelexpert.com.au
Address: 81B North Street, Nowra, NSW 2541


2019 & 2020 Tours Are Here!

For those that came down to our tour launch on the 1st November – I hope you had a fantastic night, we sure did! Just seeing the charm of the Star Clippers Fleet, or the untouched lands of Uzbekistan, or the tiered hills of the Douro, absolutely stunning, and truly inspiring – at least we thought so!

To re-cap the night for those that were there, and to let those that were not know what is on offer we will do a brief run through of our tours, and the hyperlinks to the current itineraries (just click on the tour names) and programmes for them!

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Day Tours

We have a small selection of day tours leaving from the Shoalhaven to explore areas beyond the local. I should also note that if the Wine Day in the Southern Highlands prove popular we will run others to both the Southern Highlands and nearby in the Shoalhaven. To that end the tours we have on offer are ..

  • Vivid 2019. A revamped and updated dinner cruise for the Vivid lights, longer and later than previous years this is guaranteed to give us a fantastic view of the lights.
  • Winter Wine Warmer. A visit to the Southern Highlands to get a taste of the local produce from wine to beer and ciders, capped off with a 3 course gourmet lunch.
  • Ghosts and Grapes. A fantastic combination of the incredible abandoned town of Joadja and a brief taste of the Southern Highlands Wine Region
  • Nepean Belle. A three course luncheon cruise aboard a paddlesteamer along the Nepean River in the lower ranges of the Blue Mountain National Park

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Regional Tours

For those that are looking to get away for more than a few days but not looking to travel to far we have a great selection of packages coming up from the beautiful Norfolk Island to a taste of luxury with the incredible Celebrity Solstice.

  • Come Sail With Me! An incredible week away in Thailand aboard a luxury cruise  aboard the tallship Star Clipper with fantastic meals and visiting all the most incredible locations
  • Discover Broome. A week away discovering the highlights of one of Australia’s most scenic and secluded destinations.
  • Solstice Escape. Join us on a short escape to Melbourne as we experience the luxury of the Celebrity Solstice. The perfect chance to sample this incredible vessel, shop in Melbourne without the worry of baggage weight for flights, or to just enjoy a weekend away.
  • Norfolk Exclusive. With great central accommodation, all the sights people know about, plus those they hadn’t expected this tour covers all you could imagine and more for a trip to Norfolk!

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Extended Tours

For those areas beyond a small flight we have a stand out selection of tours coming in the next two years. Some are available to book now – like our Danube Cruise and Egypt, and others – like Russia and Central Asia are previews only where you can sign up your expression of interest so we can let you know all the details when they come on sale!

  • European Gems. The time honored Danube cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam, is a bucket list item for many – and the perfect trip for those looking for good company. With Stops along the Rhine, Main and Danube this is one of Europe’s Must Sees!
  • Cradle Of Civilization. There is nowhere quite like Egypt, and this tour not only takes you to the highlights that everyone wants to see, but the true spectacles that many don’t even know are there. Limited to 16 places this tour is filling fast!
  • My Hawaii Escape. For 8 years running the Pride of America’s Cruise around the Hawaiian Islands has been voted the “Best Hawaii Itinerary” and this is your chance to experience this stunning voyage.
  • Heart Of The Silk Road. Join us as we journey the less travelled paths of the Silk Road exploring some of the most incredible natural landscapes and ancient cities on the planet as we traverse Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan
  • Jewels Of Russia. Tying together two of Russia’s most incredible destinations (Saint Petersburg and Moscow) a Russian River Cruise is the perfect way to get a look at both the urban and rural life and landscapes of this remarkable destination
  • Colours of Spain & Portugal. Visiting the highlights of Spain and Porrtugal and combining them with a Douro River Cruise this package is perhaps one of the best ways to get out and explore the incredible Iberian Peninsula
  • Fall Colours Of The East With Canada and New England Cruise. Following on from our West Coast Tour – this trip discovers the incredible cities of  Eastern Canada, the beauty of Niagra Falls and New England and the Eastern US Cities like Boston, all around the time that the seasons change bringing about a riot of colour and drama.

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What an incredible range of tours and destinations! Again you can preview the programmes by clicking on the tour names above, but if there is any further information wanted on any of these tours, or if you want to book on one of them or register your interest please do not hesitate to contact us at My Travel Expert & Shoalhaven Solo Sisters!

My Travel Expert & Shoalhaven Solo Sisters

P: (02) 4421 5577 E: nowra@mytravelexpert.com.au
A: Shope 28a Nowra Mall, Kinghorne Street Nowra NSW 2451

Solo Sister Sought For Mekong Expedition

2013 was when Julie last managed to travel the waters of the Mekong, and in doing so discovered the dichotomy of the lifestyles where Ancient Worlds and Modern Times clash on a daily basis. Spellbound and enchanted Julie has been waiting to get back, and now having chartered a vessel unlike any other, is doing just that in the best way possible, and invited you to join her!

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With just 5 cabins left on the voyage travelling from the ancient stone ruins of Angkor Wat at Siem Reap to the busting modern hub of Ho Chi Minh City (formerly known as Saigon), this is your chance to not only visit some incredible destinations and experience a way of life totally different to that here in Australia, but to journey one of the worlds longest rivers.

$6666 Per Person Share Twin
20th August – 2nd September 2018, Sydney to Sydney

VISITING: Siem Reap, Angkor Wat, Kampong Tralach, Kampong Louang, Phomn Penh, Wat Hanchey, Angkor Ban, Long Khong A, Chau Doc, Cu Lao Gieng, Ben Tre,
and Ho Chi Minh City

Includes: Sightseeing throughout with inside visits as shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges where applicable. Airport transfers; private, deluxe, air-conditioned coach while touring; internal flights. 4 star hotels as stated or similar. Fully Guided with Escort  ex-Sydney based on 30 Travellers. International Air with Thai Airways including taxes , surcharges and fees.

EXTEND TO HANOI: Extend your discovery of Vietnam with an extension to the North to take in the beautiful Hanoi and the iconic Halong Bay aboard a traditional Junk Cruise

Not Sure About River Cruising?

If you enjoy ocean cruising or even touring and are wondering how you would find a river cruise this is the perfect opportunity. With free flights, time in Siem Rep and Saigon and a 7 day cruise this is the best way to experience river cruising for the first time.

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Solo Sister Sought: We also have a solo traveller ready to sign aboard if we can find her a “bunkmate” for the voyage. If you are willing to travel please let us know and we can see if you are a match for this voyage!

For More information or to book aboard our Mekong Voyage call us today on (02) 4421 5577 or email us at nowra@mytravelexpert.com.au

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Itinerary:

20th August, Day 1: DEPART AUSTRALIA, ARRIVE SIEM REAP,  CAMBODIA.  We depart Australia this morning aboard Thai Airlines, transiting Bangkok enroute to Siem Reap. Welcome to Siem Reap, your base during your visit to Angkor, considered by many to be the most  spectacular architectural ruins on Earth! Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in.

21st August, Day 2 : SIEM REAP. This morning, start your sightseeing of the TEMPLES OF ANGKOR. Constructed between the 9th and 13th centuries, the temples were built around the Khmer interpretations of Indian religious and political beliefs that ultimately evolved from Hinduism to Buddhism. The complex architectural grandeur of the Angkor temples is arguably unmatched among ancient ruins anywhere in the world. First, visit the best preserved and most famous of all the temples: ANGKOR WAT, honouring the Hindu god Vishnu. Featuring five trademark towers and stunning bas reliefs, it has become a symbol of Cambodia. Then, visit BANTEAY SREI, a unique temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Unlike other temples, it is built on a small scale from red sandstone, which can be carved like wood. This evening, enjoy a PRIVATE APSARA DANCE PERFORMANCE, where the ancient Khmer culture is brought to life by talented dancers, singers, and musicians. (B,L,D

22nd August, Day 3: SIEM REAP. Today, continue your sightseeing of the Angkor temples by tuk-tuk. Start at ANGKOR THOM where you will explore BAYON TEMPLE. One of the few Buddhist temples in Angkor, it features some 200 striking faces carved in 54 towers and impressive bas reliefs. Next stop is TA PROHM, which, unlike the other temples, has been left relatively untouched. Tree roots grow over and through the ruin walls, allowing you to experience the temple with the same wonder as the early explorers who discovered it. Lastly, stop at LES ARTISANS D’ANGKOR, a development project teaching young adults traditional handicraft techniques. The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure to explore this charming town. (B)

23rd August, Day 4: SIEM REAP (EMBARKATION). This morning, transfer to the port and board your river cruise vessel for your CRUISE down the Mekong through Cambodia and Vietnam. This afternoon, enjoy time on board the ship as you cruise through Tonle Sap (Great Lake). After the rainy season, this massive body of water can cover around 26,000 square kilometres (10,000 square miles) and provides the perfect breeding ground for fish, which provide food for people living on the lake. This evening, enjoy a welcome reception. (B,L,D) NOTE: During low water conditions, generally mid-December to August, we will not be able to cruise on Tonle Sap. In these cases, we will fly from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh for embarkation. No included sightseeing will be missed. Low water conditions vary from year to year, so this will be evaluated on a cruise-by-cruise basis.

24th August, Day 5 : CRUISING: KAMPONG TRALACH-KONPONG LOUANG-PHNOM PENH. Today, visit Kampong Tralach for an OX CART RIDE past rice paddy fields and the beautiful Cambodian countryside. Along the way, stop to MEET WITH A LOCAL FARMER and learn more about his daily life. Lastly, visit the SILVERSMITH VILLAGE of Konpong Louang. Here you will see talented craftsmen use age-old techniques to turn pure silver into works of art. Then sail to the capital city of Phnom Penh. After lunch, your sightseeing tour by private cyclo includes visits to the ROYAL PALACE with the spectacular SILVER PAGODA and the NATIONAL MUSEUM, featuring an outstanding display of Khmer artifacts. (B,L,D)

25th August, Day 6: CRUISING: PHNOM PENH. Sightseeing this morning provides a glimpse of the atrocities inflicted on the Cambodian people by the Khmer Rouge regime. Visit the TUOL SLENG GENOCIDE MUSEUM, a former high school that housed over 17,000 prisoners. Of this number, it is believed that less than 15 survived the torture and avoided being sent to the Killing Fields. You will also visit one of the KILLING FIELDS, where over 200,000 people were killed by the Khmer Rouge. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to explore the city. Just before dinner, children from a local orphanage will put on a SHOW featuring local song and dance. (B,L,D)

26th August, Day 7: CRUISING: WAT HANCHEY-ANGKOR BAN. This morning, visit WAT HANCHEY, a temple dating back to the 8th century and the Chenla Empire. Located on a hilltop, enjoy stunning views of the surrounding area and partake in a TRADITIONAL WATER BLESSING given by local monks. After lunch, enjoy a WALKING TOUR through the rural village of Angkor Ban. Here you will see traditional Khmer houses and visit a LOCAL SCHOOL. (B,L,D)

27th August, Day 8: CRUISING: BORDER CROSSING-LONG KHONG A, VIETNAM-CHAU DOC. Cross the border this morning into Vietnam. A sampan brings you to the village of LONG KHONG A, where cotton weaving is a well-preserved tradition. Spend time at one house for a COTTON-WEAVING DEMONSTRATION and a chance to talk with the family. After lunch, join a sampan excursion down the backwaters of the river to the religious sites at the base of SAM MOUNTAIN. Along the way, see traditional floating homes, speedboat merchants, a market selling dried goods, and more. Before returning to the ship, walk through the LOCAL MARKET and absorb the atmosphere as locals are busy buying and selling fish, meat, and produce. (B,L,D)

28th August, Day 9: CRUISING: CU LAO GIENG. This morning, enjoy time at leisure on board the ship as we sail to Cu Lao Gieng. In the afternoon, board a sampan and enjoy scenes of daily life along the river. Stop at a LOCAL HOME, where a skilled family works together to hand-craft sampans for a living. Then, ride a specially designed MOTOR CART to one of Vietnam’s oldest churches for a special INTERACTION WITH A CATHOLIC PRIEST. (B,L,D)

29th August, Day 10: CRUISING: BEN TRE. This morning, board a sampan for a scenic cruise to Ben Tre. Visit a LOCAL WORKSHOP to see how rice wine and traditional coconut candy is made. Then, continue on to a LOCAL GARDEN where several types of fruit indigenous to the area are grown. This afternoon, enjoy time on board the ship as we sail to exciting Ho Chi Minh City. (B,L,D)

30th August, Day 11: HO CHI MINH CITY (DISEMBARKATION). Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City, still known as Saigon to many. This morning, enjoy a WALKING TOUR of the city’s famous and historic landmarks as you stroll through the heart of the city along Dong Khoi Street (formerly Rue Catinat) past Ho Chi Minh Square, the Municipal Theatre, the Central Post Office, and Notre Dame Cathedral. Stop at the Rex Hotel for a refreshing DRINK at the popular ROOFTOP BAR where the U.S. Military held the infamous “Five O’Clock Follies” during the war. Next, visit the WAR REMNANTS MUSEUM followed by BEN THANH MARKET, the largest and oldest in the city. For lunch, participate in a hands-on VIETNAMESE COOKING CLASS. Head into the classroom and learn how to prepare different local dishes and the techniques necessary to recreate them once you return home. Last but not least, sample your delicious creations! The afternoon is at your leisure to explore this lively city. (B,L)

31st August, Day 12: HO CHI MINH CITY. EXCURSION TO CU CHI TUNNELS. This morning, leave the city and drive through vast expanses of rice paddies to visit the CU CHI TUNNELS, an extraordinary network of tunnels more than 193 kilometres (120 miles) in length that was used by the Viet Cong as a hideout and secret village during the war. Here you will learn about how the tunnels were constructed and have a chance to walk through a section to experience what life would have been like underground. Return to Ho Chi Minh City and enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at your leisure. This evening, join your travelling companions for a special farewell dinner hosted by your Cruise Director. (B,D)

1st September, Day 13: HO CHI MINH CITY Departure. This morning, transfer to the airport for your homeward bound or extension Flight.

2nd September, Day 14: ARRIVE SYDNEY: Transferring via Bangkok we arrive in Sydney late this evening where our tour programme ends.

Update Session @ St Georges Basin

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As some of you may be aware, we have opened a satellite office at the St Georges Basin Country Club, which means that any of you living in the area out there, you can now drop in at the satellite office to make payments and deposits rather than needing to come into the office in Nowra each time.

As a bit of a welcome, for everyone to meet the expanded team, including Maree who is returning to us after a 4 year hiatus, we are holding an information session on the 6th September at 10:15am at the Function Room at the St Georges Basin Country Club.

Where we will be talking briefly about what we are doing in 2018 for Group Tours, explaining about the Shoalhaven Solo Sisters Initiative for Solo Travellers, and the benefits our satellite office has to offer club members and locals in the St Georges Basin area. If you would like to attend please RSVP to our St Georges Basin Office on (02) 4442 9077 or by email to sgbcc@mytravelexpert.com.au

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Cherry Blossom Special

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Sakura, that is Cherry Blossom Season, see’s Japan bathed in tones on light pink, with flowers blossoming from Tokyo to Kyoto, from Hikone to Hiroshima, and it is a vision that enthralls locals and foreigners alike. Which is why in April 2018, we have put together a departure to Japan that will highlight this incredible seasonal event!

For those that want to experience Sakura this is the perfect time to head over to Japan but we do realise that this might not be a draw card for everybody which is what the tour we are operating takes in a steady balanced mix of modern and ancient Japan, with a few twists of our own thrown in.

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We are going to start the tour for example with an exclusive day out for our guests, beginning with a trip to Tsukiji Fish Markets – the largest market of it’s kind in Asia, where we will learn of the importance of  fishing and seafood to the Japanese people before we head off to learn how to make one of Japans most iconic meals in a Sushi Preparation Workshop. The days even’ts don’t end there however as we head out in the evening to get a glimpse of the Japanese love of Robots, Animatronics and Anime as we visit the almost infamous “Robot Cabaret Show”, followed by a dinner at a rather unusual restaurant.

This though is just the start of getting a true taste of Japan, from here our trip unfolds and covers all sorts of evens and sights that people love about the Land of the Rising Sun. We will take a trip on the Bullet Train, which is one of the highlights for many people, we will visit the floating Shrine of Hiroshima, experience the extraordinary view of Mount Fuji, partake in a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony, take a look at the famous Bamboo Forests at Kyoto, visit the iconic Castles of Matsumto and Ninja, and much more.

This is a truly incredible trip, visiting Japan at a time of the year like no other!  With visits and sightseeing in Tokyo, Nikko, Matsumoto, Nagano, Toyama, Shirakawam Takayama, Nagoya, Toba, Osaka, Matsuem, Hiroshima, Kyoto and Hakkone National Park.

The package includes return airfares from Sydney, 4 star accommodation throughout, sightseeing daily, entry to a number of sights and locations, transport by air-conditioned coach and more! Full details can be reviewed here (please click to read.)

Running from the 8th to the 23rd of April this is slated to be an incredible touring experience and with a limited number of spaces available at AU$7994 per person in share twin if you want to join then to book, or enquire about more details,  please contact us on (02) 4421 5577 or by email on nowra@mytravelexpert.com.au

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Mekong Charter – Singles Match Up’s

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As many of you have no doubt heard, in August 2018 we are chartering the Avalon Siem Reap from Avalon Waterways for a private cruise from Siem Reap to Saigon. This has allowed us to package together a Mekong River Cruise with all its highlights with airfare and time and touring in both Siem Reap and Saigon for over a thousand dollars less per person in share twin, then what the programme usually operates for with all those inclusions.

While this is fantastic news for those couples signing aboard, those single travellers though are still left with a huge single supplement – nearly double in cost from the base fare! Having said that, thanks to the Shoalhaven Solo Sisters we can look at doing a “singles match up”, where by pairing you with other single travellers you can the share a cabin and save having to pay any single supplement.

This is the perfect style of trip for such a Match Up. As a chartered vessel all travellers will be from the local region (Shoalhaven) or nearby and as a single group you won’t find yourself feeling the need to spend all of your time with your Cabin-mate, in fact between dining, touring and enjoying watching the world float by from the bar, lounge or Topdeck there is very little cabin time involved for many doing river cruising – so the amount of time you spend with your cabin-mate would be entirely your call on such a voyage!

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So if you want to join our Mekong Departure and would like to look at a Singles Match Up, what do you do to get the ball rolling?

Step 1: Call My Travel Expert and the Shoalhaven Solo Sisters on (02) 4421 5577, and let us know that you want to join our Mekong Charter and that you are looking for a singles match up.

My Travel Expert and the Shoalhaven Solo Sisters will then attempt to find another single traveller for you to share with on this cruise departure. If we find someone we move onto step 2 …

Step 2: Catch up with the possible Cabin-Mate, then let My Travel Expert & The Shoalhaven Solo Sisters know whether the match up is acceptable.

Step 3: Pay cruise deposit and proceed down the standard booking path.

What prices would you be looking at to join this Voyage?

Should we be able to match you up with another traveller you would be looking at the standard share twin costing, which is AU$6666.00 per person.

If you decide that despite everything you want a cabin/room all to yourself the single supplement payable in addition to the standard share twin costing is AU$4346.00

This covers your airfare to Siem Reap from Sydney and back from Saigon/Hanoi with all pre-payable taxes, the nights accommodation and touring in Siem Reap, the Cruise from Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City (inclusive of all meals and activities) and then the accommodation and touring in Ho Chi Minh City.

If you want to join the Extension to Hanoi and Halong Bay you are looking at a cost of AU$1500.00 per person in share twin if you are matched with another traveller. Should you desire a room/cabin on your own the single supplement cost payable in additional to the share twin rate is AU$571.00

The Extension Cost covers the flight from Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) to Hanoi, the accommodation in Hanoi, the Cruise on Halong and all the touring in both Locations.

When is this Charter Programme Running?

This is a one off Cruise Charter, for those that do the standard package the Trip will depart Sydney on the 19th August 2018 and arrive back into Sydney on the 2nd September 2018. For those taking the Extension to Hanoi & Halong Bay you will arrive back into Sydney on the 6th September 2018.

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If you want to look into a “Singles Match Up”
then call us on (02) 4421 5577 as soon as possible,
as finding a travelling companion may take some time!

You can review the entire voyage here, to see what will be seen, covered and experienced during the entire period of travel including the Extension! Just Click on “read more”!

Read the rest of this entry

No Single Supplement with Avalon

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If you are interested in cruising the waterways of Europe and you are a single traveller then now is  the time to go!

Avalon is offering a waiver of the single supplement on 2017 European River Cruises (subject to availability, cruise and T&C’s), which in some cases – such as the Danube Delta to Prague Cruise, could see you saving as much as AU$7301

With a range of Cruise duration’s from 7 nights to 14 nights, and covering sailings on the Maine, the Upper & Lower Danube, the Moselle, the Rhine, the Rhone, the Saone and the Seine there are plenty of options to choose from.

This offer ends on the 4th August 2018, so if a river cruise in 2017 sounds like something you would like do not hesitate to call us today at My Travel Expert & Shoalhaven Solo Sisters on (02) 4421 5577 to discuss options!

Canada Presale Ends! Book Now Save 7%

Whether travelling on your own or in pairs, there is nothing like a Scenic Tour to explore the wondrous scenery of Canada. At the moment with My Canada Experience, you can book aboard one of their premier journeys that includes transfers to and from the South Coast with a night in Sydney so you don’t have an early morning when heading out. This tour will also be escorted from the South Coast and will visit the highlights of Vancouver and Victoria, of the Rocky Mountains and the Inside Passage.

Right now this tour is available to book on pre-sale which is coming to an end on the 31st May,  for the price and itinerary Click Here! So if you wanted to join us on this luxury trip through Canada, staying in Castles, talking with Mounties then NOW is the time to sign aboard, as prices for bookings made after the 31st May are due to rise up to 7% or more.

For More details or to book aboard Contact Us Now!

Or call us on (02 4421 5577

Oh Canada! Film Night Invite

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In 2018 in conjunction with Scenic Tours, we are running a fantastic trip to Canada that will start with a coach pick up from here in Nowra, an overnight at the Rydges Sydney Airport (or similar) so we are not up too early for a 10am departure flight to Vancouver.

Once in Canada we will see the sights of Vancouver and Victoria before heading off through the Rocky Mountains to discover Banff, Lake Louise and more before returning to the coast to take a cruise along the inside passage where we will encounter incredible natural sights, and unique towns like Ketchikan where we can experience the home of the First Nation, or Skagway where we can see the early colonial frontier.

On the 11th May 2018 we are hosting an evening at our office with the always entertaining Cathy from Scenic and would like to invite you to come down and see exactly what it is that we have planned for 2018!

When: 5:30 pm, 11th May 2017
Where: My Travel Expert
RSVP: ASAP

Let us know now if you want to come, simply email us at nowra@mytravelexpert.com.au or call us on (02) 4421 5577!

Exclusive Inclusions & Discounts in 2018

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Julie Woodall & Partner, enjoying local transport in Vietnam

With Four Large Tours on the way in 2018, one question we have been asked is  ..

Why should we choose these over any other tours?

.. and the answer is simple, because we are offering something that is unique on each tour that is only available should you book through My Travel Expert & the Shoalhaven Solo Sisters. More than that we are offering them at fantastic prices.

Unique Inclusions and Discounted Prices.

In April we head off to Japan to encounter the wonders of this country during Cherry Blossom Season, one of the most picturesque times to visit. Outside of the standard touring though, and the inclusions of the airfare in the price we are taking you to see some fantastic sights that will round out the tour that others will not be. Taking a look at the culinary side of Japan we will take you to Asias Largest Fish Markets where you can see the sheer volume of seafood eaten before we take a cooking lesson to learn how to prepare Japans signature dish – Sushi. We are also going to take you to see part of modern Japan, down top Shinoboku to an entertaining evening for a dinner and show – where the popular cultures of Anime, Robots, and more are on display at an almost bizarre Robot Cabaret Show. More to the point the release value of this package is already discounted by 10% from the pricing that it was originally.

In May we have a fantastic Canada and the Inside Passage Departure with Scenic and while that means luxury the price is inclusive of airfares, discounted for early bookings and includes unique moments that no other tour provider includes starting with transfers to and from the South Coast to Sydney Airport. An overnight in Rydges in Sydney to accommodate for the early departure flight, , as well as enriching experiences on tour from photos with mounties, Canadian History Evenings, the Rocky Mountain Round Up, First Nation Cultural Experiences and more.

leonie lake louise

Leonie Clay getting a close up look at an iced over Lake Louise

When we head to Cruise the Mekong in August we have already included your flights and transfers in the pricing, and have selected a vessel that allows better access to the river than any other Ship currently cruising so you spend less time transferring to sights whilst cruising. To really make this exceptional we have charted the entire vessel, which means that we are saving over AU$2,000 per cabin –  which is a fantastic saving for any couple.

Finally in October we are headed out to Italy, where apart from the airfares and major highlights we have built in an incredible extension to the south to see the highlights of Pompeii, Naples, Amalfi, Capri and Sorrento.  On arrival in Rome rather we have thrown in a complimentary Borghase Gardens Tour that you can opt to take rather than waiting for your hotel room to be ready. Before leaving Italy and Rome we have included a fantastic little market and cooking tour that will allow help buy the foods that you will use to cook your own fantastic goodbye luncheon.

As you can see, we have gone to some lengths to ensure that what you are paying for is more than worth your money. So with the fact that we offer Unique Inclusions and Discounted Prices now is the time to book aboard one of our 2018 Departures .. just contact us today for details!

Leonie Italy

Leonie Clay, enjoying the sights of Rome