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
Update Session @ St Georges Basin
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
Cherry Blossom Special
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.
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
Seeking Canada & Solo Specials
Seeking Canada Solo
First off I would like to let everyone know that we have a single lady seeking a travelling companion for My Canadian Experience in May 2018, this is a fantastic voyage travelling with Scenic on Holland America, the Rocky Mountaineer and Brewsters around Western Canada, staying at the incredible Fairmont Properties and taking in some of the world most breathtaking vistas from Banff & Lake Louise to Juneo, Skagway and Victoria.
IF you are a single lady and would like to join this departure, and would be interested in possibly matching up with our other single traveller, please let us know and we can put you in touch with each other to test the waters for compatibility!
Russian Cruise Solo Special – 2018
We have a fantastic Solo Offer for an 11 August 2018 Solo Cruise from Saint Petersburg to Moscow, thanks to our friends at the Russian Travel Centre. Save from AU$1480 on the single cost and get away from AU$2692 on a Main Deck Outside Cabin for sole use.
Visits: St Petersburg * Mandrogi * Kizhi * Yaroslavl * Uglich * Moscow Includes: * Cruise on a popular 3-star river cruise vessel – MS Shashkov * Accommodation in outside cabin with private facilities and large picture window * Sole Use of twin cabin * All meals – buffet breakfast, full service lunch and dinner * Captain’s Welcome Cocktail Reception and Gala Farewell Dinner * Full sightseeing program in each port of call and onboard entertainment * Port taxes
For more details please give us a call on (02) 4421 5577
Scenic River Cruise Discounts
Our friends at Scenic currently have a 50% off special for limited River Cruises across Europe in 2018 – both down the Danube as well as the French Rivers. Whether you want to take in Bordeaux, the Christmas Markets or the highlights of places like Bamburg, Vienna, Budapest and Prague there may be an opportunity for you. If you are interested in doing a cruise, and looking to travel solo, then give us a call to discuss what options may be open for you on this limited special.
My Travel Expert & The Shoalhaven Solo Sisters
(02) 4421 5577 or nowra@mytravelexperts.com.au
Mekong Charter – Singles Match Up’s
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!
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.
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”!
No Single Supplement with Avalon
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
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
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 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 Clay, enjoying the sights of Rome
Upcoming Exclusive Group Departures for 2018
For those that were unable to make it to our 2018 tour unveiling, you missed a fantastic night, and an incredible presentation. But you have not missed out entirely, and can now review what we have coming up exclusively to My Travel Expert and the Shoalhaven Solo Sisters in 2018!
MY JAPAN EXPERIENCE
From $7994 Per Person Share Twin
8th—23rd April 2018, Sydney to Sydney
VISITING: Tokyo, Nikko, Matsumoto, Nagano, Toyama, Shirakawa, Takayama, Nagoya, Toba, Osaka, Matsuem Hiroshima, Kyoto and Hakkone National Park
CHERRY BLOSSOMS: Taking place over Cherry Blossom season highlights of this trip will include travelling on the famous Bullet Train, partaking in a Japanese Tea Ceremony, visiting the Floating Shrine of Hiroshima, extraordinary Views of Mount Fuji, and visits to some of Japans most iconic castles including Matsumoto and Nijo.
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; bullet train from Hiroshima to Kyoto; internal flights. 4 star hotels as stated or similar. Fully Guided with Escort ex-Sydney based on 16 Travellers. International Air with Thai Airways including taxes , surcharges and fees.
For Full Details Click Here
MY CANADIAN EXPERIENCE
24 Days Australia to Australia
19th May – 11th June 2018
From $14,955 Per Person Share Twin Exclusive Tour ! With South Coast Departure
22 Day Spectacular Rocky Mountain Tour and Inside Passage Cruise
VISITING: Vancouver, Kamloops, Rocky Mountains, Jasper, Banff, Lake Louise, Sun Peaks, Whistler, Victoria, Tracey Arm of the Inside Passage, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay and Ketckikan
Includes: 15 night luxury coach tour through the Rockies, Guaranteed Gold Leaf Class on the famous Rocky Mountaineer, 7 night Alaskan Cruise with Holland America Cruise Lines, Luxury air-conditioned coach travel with a professional Tour Driver, and of course all tipping and gratuities
For Full Details Click Here
MY MEKONG EXPEDITION
$6666 Per Person Share Twin
19th 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
For Full Details Click Here
MY ITALY EXPERIENCE
$8948 Per Person Share Twin
7th—25th October 2018, Sydney to Sydney
VISITING: Rome, Lucca, Cinque Terre, Pisa, Siena, San Gimignano, Florence, Verona, Venice, Ravenna, Assissi, Orvieto, Naples, Pompeii, Sorrento, Amalfi and Capri
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. 17 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 9 dinners. Fully Guided with Escort ex-Sydney based on 16 Travellers. International Air with Thai Airways including taxes , surcharges and fees.
Just For Us! Extending our tour to the south we will take in the historic Pompeii, the fantastic sights of the island of Capri and the Amaflfi Coast, we also have an optional visit to the Borghese Gardens included and a fantastic Italian Cooking Class!
For Full Details Click Here
2018 looks like a fantastic year doesn’t it! If 2018 is to early for you or we are not going to one of the destinations you are seeking let us know. With plans in the pipeline to cover Queenstown, China, South Africa, Cairns, Britain & Ireland, Rotorua, India and the Mississippi in 2019 there might be something you want just a little further out!
My Travel Expert and Shoalhaven Solo Sisters 