Blog Archives
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!
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
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!
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.
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
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!
Earlybird Endings, Kangaroo Island and 2015 & 2016 Recap
Just a brief update on a few of our specials which are changing, a new tour that is now pre-viewable under our tours section and a recap on what we spoke about at our 2015 Tour Launch and 2016 Tour Preview
Canada & Alaska, Europe Danube Cruise – Earlybirds Ending: For those still considering joining our Canada & Alaska or our European Danube Cruise departure, this is just a quick note to let you know that the Fly Free and early-bird specials are ending this week, and any bookings made after the 30th October will work out much more expensive. If there is someone out there wanting Canada & Alaska, we do have a lady currently booked and willing to share – just let s know if this appeals and we can help you set up a meet to see if it is a match!
Kangaroo Island – 2015: We have a fantastic group we are hoping to get away to Kangaroo Island in June 2015 (which is as early as we can secure seats on the Indian-Pacific at the moment), this 8 day getaway will cover Adelaide, Kangaroo Island and Barossa Valley. The Trip will include Gold Service on the Indian Pacific from Sydney to Adelaide, Transfers in Adelaide, Adelaide Sightseeing Tour, 4 Nights Accommodation in Adelaide at the Chiffley on South Terrace, 3 Day Charter Tour of Kangaroo Island, Full day trip to the Barossa Valley, Breakfast daily, five Lunches, Three Dinners and flight from Adelaide to Sydney inclusive of all pre payable taxes and surcharges. From AU$2781 per person in share twin, we need a minimum of 16 interested travellers to put this trip into motion and reconfirm dates.
2015 Tour Launch: You may have seen some of these previewed here already but we have a fantastic array of programmes scheduled for 2015 including the following trips! Red Hatters Moreton Island Cruise on 11 February, from AU$749 per person in share twin dependant on spot specials. New Zealand Golfing Holiday starting 7th March 2014 spending 8 days in Queenstown and experiencing 3 of the best regional courses. Canada and Alaska, Rocky Mountains and Inside Passage tour starting at AU$11423 per person in share twin. Kangaroo Island – details as shown above. Castles along the Rhine, a fantastic short cruise from Amsterdam to Basel. Danube Cruise starting 5th September in Prague and ending in Paris from AU$10570 per person in share twin. The Golden West of the USA from AU$5359 per person twin share starting on 21 October 2015 and exploring the Grand Canyon and more. My Thai Experience from AU$2400 per person in Share Twin, a perfect introductory experience for Asia with the option to extend in Thailand. Finally we have our Christmas Markets of Germany, with a 5 December Departure for which we are now taking expressions of interest.
2016 Tour Preview: We have an incredible array of tours we are looking to run in 2015 and would like your feedback to help us design the package that you would like to join! In January 2016 we would like to head to Egypt taking in the highlights of Cairo, Alexandria and the Nile. In April we intend to head to Singapore on another of our Experience tours. In May we are looking to head to Italy taking in Venice, Rome, Pisa, Florence, Umbria and Cinque Terre. In July we are going to look at a fantastic trip to East Africa taking in some of the highlights of Kenya and Tanzania. In September we are going to take in two countries with a heavily inter-twined history – Spain and Morocco. Then in late October we intend to help people explore the UAE, not just Dubai but beyond. In November we intend to head out and discover Vietnam, the North, Central and Southern Highlights. Then in 2017 for those that are interested in a truly spectacular adventure we will be headed off to South America. We do want your feedback and ideas on these programmes so feel free to contact us for more information and to ask whatever questions you would like. We will also be running future events and evenings that will look closer into these.
Discover Europe With Peregrine
We spoke a little while ago about how great it is that Travel Indochina has a “Share with Stranger” policy on their tours. Another company that does something similar is Peregrine .. who also have a match up policy on all of their departures. With many of those departures they will try and match you up with a like-minded traveller, and if they are unable to on most tours they will still get you away without a single supplement – though some may still require a small additional payment.
Unlike Travel Indochina the great thing about Peregrine is that their reach extends beyond Asia with tours available in Europe, Africa, South America, and North America .. so if you are a single traveller looking for a fantastic trip to a destination with a lot to offer, and with enough free time compared to group touring time then Peregrine may have the option for you!
A Sneek Peek at 2015 & 2016
We thought we would let you ladies and gentleman have a bit of a sneak peak and advance warning of what we will be putting together for you for 2015 and 2016 – and wow do we have a number of fantastic programmes coming for you solo travellers (and couples are always welcome of course).
Experience Programmes
In July next year we will be launching the third of we are now terming our “Experience” programmes, these will be journeys to a great destination with a number of days activities but plenty of free time for the travllers to get out and experience their own desires whether those desires are shopping, art galleries , sport events or otherwise. Our 2015 Experience Programmes will see us journey to Bangkok in July and then Hawaii in November, in 2016 we visit Lord Howe Island in February, Singapore in March and then Dubai and the UAE in October.
Special Interest and Events
For those that are seeking something different we have three special programmes in the works for 2015 starting with a Golfing tour in March to New Zealand, this is followed by a fantastic indulgence package in February taking in a cruise, some wineries and a spa-cation, then in December we are off to Germany to take in the incredible Christmas Markets and Romantic Road.
General Tour Programmes
Then we have our true travel gems – our dedicated group departures. If you’ve been following this site you would have seen what we have in the works for Canada and Alaska in May and for Europe in September 2015, and there are still spaces on both these departures with some fantastic discount offers still in play. In addition to those we have some fantastic tours that will start appearing here in the near future. The first is an American Mid-west in October 2016 taking in San Fransisco, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon, Mammoth Lake and Yosemite. We then have a fantastic tour of Egypt in the works for January 2016 taking in the highlights of Cairo a Nile River Cruise , Abu Simbel and Alexandria. In April 2016 we journey to Italy to take in Rome, Florence, Venice and the true highlights of this fantastic destination. July 2016 sees us headed to East Africa as we set out on Safari in Kenya and Tanzania – a perfect trip for people of all ages. In September 2016 we travel to visit two countries linked through centuries of combined history – Morocco and Spain. Then in December 2016 we head out to visit one of the gems of south east Asia aas we journey through Vietnam from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City
My Travel Expert and Shoalhaven Solo Sisters 