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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
My Mekong Morning Tea
My Travel Expert & The Shoalhaven Solo Sisters
(02) 4421 5577 or nowra@mytravelexpert.coma.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
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”!
Hassle Free Travel @ My Travel Expo
Whether it is a trip through the heartland of America, the medieval cities of Europe, the ancient cities of South America or the lands of the Maharajah, a lot of people find the thought of how to connect one location with the next, and what to do in those locations exhausting. How to I get from Paris to Cologne? Will I have to wait in a long queue at the Taj Mahal? How many places can I reasonably see in Washington in a day?
Sometimes, when you are ready to experience a location – be in a new country, or part of your own, what you really want is to sit back and relax, enjoy the sights and sounds and let someone else worry about how you get between places, or what you are doing for breakfast. Which is where group touring is a fantastic way to experience locations around the world!
There are large group tour operators who offer a number of destinations across the world – their inclusions range for the all inclusive luxury style packages of APT, Scenic and Insight Vacations, to the good quality programmes of AAT Kings, Travelmarvel, Globus, Wendy Wu Tours and Trafalgar that cover what you want to see but may not include as many meals or drinks.
For the more budget conscious or those who enjoy a bit of adventure, but like the security of having someone there to look after your problems there are slew of operators running everything from small to large groups like Cosmos or Peregrine, or smaller groups and more intimate experiences with companies like G-Adventures or Intrepid.
Then you have your dedicated small group tour operators that use good quality accommodation, and tie off the ability to see fantastic sights with an intimate touring experience, or a unique focus on the touring, such as is available through operators like Back-Roads Touring, the Africa Safari Co, or National Geographic Journeys by G-Adventures.
Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe and the Americas. Small groups, adventurous travel, luxury travel, large groups, short tours and longer voyages. There is a group tour out there for everyone, whether its the desire to hike around the Inca Trail or relax in Luxury as you cruise the Danube, there are group programmes available for every style of traveller – and no better way to let someone else worry about the little things while you enjoy the opportunity to explore, visit and make new connections.
So if exploring the world in good company sounds like something you are interested in then now is the time to come and speak with the wide range of group travel experts that will for one night only be accessible at ..
My Travel Expo.
4pm til 7pm, 22 September 2016,
@ Shoalhaven Ex-Servicemans Club Worrigree.
Call (02) 4421 5577 for more information
Register Here For Quick Entry!
Travelling At Your Pace @ My Travel Expo
Sometimes when we are eager to get away and see that dreamed of destination like Split and the Dalmatian Coast, or the herds of the Serengeti, or even just a night at the west end in London, we look for tours and groups that suit what we desire and come up empty, sometimes we just need to do it in our own time and at our own pace.
This something we can help you with as easily as we help put you aboard your favourite tour. If you have 3 days or 6 weeks and want to ensure that everything for your trip is organised then we can help. From rail segments, to hotel. From Flights to Transfers. From Sightseeing to attraction passes there are hundreds of opportunities out there for the traveller who wants to see and do it all without hopping aboard a group tour.
With partners like South America Tourism Office, the Africa Safari Co, Beyond Travel, Adventureworld, Wendy Wu Tours and Qantas Holidays we can organise tailor made travel arrangements to suit your needs. Whether you are looking for a privately guided tour of Mexico, or just a few days in London with sightseeing we can help you organise your holiday.
“It’s cheaper for me to book it when I get there ..”
Is something that we hear from so many people, and in truth it is a myth. While there are the occasional local specials that are available, a lot of local tours and prices are the same as what you would get by booking through an agency. More, if you book through an agency everything is ready and prepaid, you won’t have to worry about extra finances whilst on holidays !
“We didn’t get to see as much as we hoped for while there ..”
Is the other thing that we hear most from those that want to organise touring and day trips whilst overseas. As anyone can tell you, when you are sitting in a hotel trying to decide from pamphlets what tour to take or sight to see hours can slip by, availability may not end up being there, and time is wasted that could be better used either sightseeing or really relaxing. Pre-organising your touring not only saves you money, but saves you time and allows you the opportunity to better organise your trip away to do what you want.
South America Tourism Office, the Africa Safari Co, Beyond Travel, Adventureworld, Wendy Wu Tours and Qantas Holidays are amongst some of our best partners at helping to organise the best trips for individuals, that will allow you to make the most of both your time and your money.
So if you wan’t to get away on a private tour, or a free style holiday then this is your opportunity to talk to the experts all about it! Just come and see us at ..
My Travel Expo.
4pm til 7pm, 22 September 2016,
@ Shoalhaven Ex-Servicemans Club Worrigree.
Call (02) 4421 5577 for more information
Register Here For Quick Entry!
18 to 40 Somethings and Beyond @ My Travel Expo
Youth Travel, and Adventure Travel, is something that truly needs to be explored further. Everyone likes a drink, a great night out and company around their own age, but sometimes there is more that you want when travelling, you may want an authentic local experience, a real taste of the culture, or just more of a focus on the places you are seeing rather than the places you will be partying.
For those 18 to 30 somethings there is a series of dedicated packages with a number of operators – including the fantastic G-Adventures with their Yolo Packages – that specifically cater to that age group, only allow travellers in that bracket on the tour, and price their programmes to match. A few, like G-Adventures, know that the youth traveller enjoys their revelry, but also concentrates on the fact that you are visiting a new destination for the first time and work to include those local experiences that will truly awaken your travel lust and leave you desiring more travel experiences in the future.
The other alternative to joining the more popular “youth” tour programmes, is to look at some of the more popular budget and adventure operators out there – these operators have a fantastic array of programmes covering the globe, with touring options that will cover everything from budget three star to good quality four star, from home stays to trekking. While these tours are open to travellers of all ages, the average age of those touring tends to be 25 to 40 – the perfect bracket for those that may not want the most expensive tour, like the local guides with the knowledge of what to see and do, and the right mix of travel experiences and revelry.
Companies like Geckos, Intrepid, G-Adventures and Peregrine, all have a range of programmes that will inspire, astound and leave you with memories that will inspire you for a lifetime. Whether it is walking the Inca Trail with Geckos, enjoying a homestay in Vietnam with Intrepid, taking a safari to see the Big 5 in Kenya with G-Adventures, or enjoying the coastal towns of Italy with Peregrine Adventures there is an incredible range of programmes and styles of travel for the younger traveller to enjoy.
While all these programmes are developed for the fit 18 to 30 somethings a vast number of them with Geckos, Intrepid, G-Adventures and Peregrine are available to all ages! While some are based on a certain level of fitness these operators don’t work on a maximum age limit – so you may find yourself surrounded by travellers of all generations. Some such as the National Geographic Journeys with G-Adventures, are specifically catered to those a little bit older than the earlier 20’s who are looking to learn a little more with their adventure.
So if you are looking to get away, and you are a young traveller, or even young at heart then now is the time to speak with the Experts simply come and see us at
My Travel Expo.
4pm til 7pm, 22 September 2016,
@ Shoalhaven Ex-Servicemans Club Worrigree.
Call (02) 4421 5577 for more information
Register Here For Quick Entry!
Images Coutesy of G-Adventure, Intrrepid and video by Geckos Adventures.
Encounter Singapore – Limited Spaces Left!
Spanning 101 hectares of reclaimed land in central Singapore, the Gardens by the Bay is part of a strategy by the Government of Singapore to transform Singapore from a “Garden City”to a “City in a Garden”. A Mixture of Classic Gardens, artificial Environment and Artistic Gardens the Gardens by the Bay are fast becoming one of the more incredible sights for travellers to see whilst visiting Singapore – with the Supertrees, the Cloud Forest and the Flower Dome being some of the more popular highlights.
The Gardens By The Bay is just one of the many highlights our special departure to Singapore this October will cover. Led by Leonie this tour will start by giving you a look at the modern highlights of Singapore, the mixture of Buddhist and Hindi traditions and a Visit to Little India. We retrace the footsteps of Sir Stamford Raffles and his influence on the island nation, ending a bust day with a Singapore Sling at the renowned Raffles Hotel. We explore the Conservation Parks that Singapore has become renowned for – Jurong Bird Park, Singapore Zoo, The Night Safari and the new River Safari. We also take time out to visit some of the cities thriving and bustling nightspots from Suntec City to Bugis Street, and enjoy all the cultural and commercial highlights of a night out in China Town. We also visit the Singapore Fly – the local take on London’s Eye – and the popular Alive Museum.
Its not all a rush though, and we combine in balance the time we spend sightseeing with the time we leave for you to do some self exploring – whether its enjoying retail therapy on Orchard Road, visiting the Heritage Walks of Fort Canning Park, taking a pilgrimage to Changi Chapel or enjoying the some time in the pool or at the spa.
Available from AU$2899 per person in share twin, this one off departure leaves from Sydney on the 12th of October and flies off to Singapore where you will be set up in a fantastic centrally located four star property for the trips duration before returning back home to Sydney where the programme ends on the 20th October.
So if you have a desire to really see Singapore rather than just transiting, or want to travel in some excellent company – then call us today for further details or to Reserve your Place aboard our Singapore Experience.
My Travel Expert & Shoalhaven Solo Sisters
Tel: (02) 4421 5577 Email: nowra@mytravelexpert.com.au
Solo Asia with Wendy Wu
Here at Shoalhaven Solo Sisters and My Travel Expert, when we work to match up Solo Travellers our aim to see that we match you up with someone that you believe you might be compatible with. We do know though that there are those solo travellers out there who don’t mind who they are matched up with – and figure on a tour of a week or two they should be able to put up with a stranger for a week or two.
For BOTH of those kind of travellers, we have something here you may like!
Wendy Wu, one of our preferred industry partners have 3 fantastic Solo Departures on offer for 2016 with voyages to India, Vietnam and China. Inclusive of Airfares, Sightseeing, Accommodation, Visas, some meals and more these tours also offer no single supplement costs and guaranteed single rooms on all 3 departures!
So if you have always wanted to get a taste of China, Vietnam or India now is the time! Just contact My Travel Expert and the Shoalhaven Solo Sisters on (02) 4421 5577 or email us today at nowra@mytravelexpert.com.au
Escape the grind with a P&O Shortbreak!
Sometimes all you need to refresh and rewind is a few days away from the usual routine. So why not join us on a brief 4 night cruise from Sydney aboard the Pacific Jewel on the 4th March. Experience the fantastic services available onboard from dazzling shows to Sauna and Wellness treatments, from the bars and nightclubs to the fantastic culinary experiences on the recently launched Pantry and speciality restaurants. Starting at $399 per person share twin in an inside cabin this is the perfect getaway for someone to simply take a break, relax and unwind.
We are also offering this cruise to the Red Hat Society via our Solo Sisters Initiative – so if you are a solo female traveller let us know and we may be able to pair you up for this fantastic trip.
BOOK ABOARD TODAY!
Call My Travel Expert and the Shoalhaven Solo Sisters
on (02) 4421 5577 or email us on nowra@mytravelexpert.com.au
Just a quick note that as f 20/01/2015 there are only Balcony Cabins left available
My Travel Expert and Shoalhaven Solo Sisters 