From Deluxe To Geluxe
A NEW collection incorporating 28 active travel trips across 16 countries has just been launched.
The Geluxe Collection from G Adventures includes itineraries that focus on being physically active, with one-of-a-kind accommodation, elevated dining and a heavy focus on community and culture.
The trips have been crafted to ensure as much money as possible stays in the hands of local people.
“We’re rolling out the purple carpet with our new line of premium active trips; The Geluxe Collection,” said Yves Marceau, VP of product for G Adventures.
“These trips have been carefully curated for travellers who enjoy adventure with a softer landing, yet still appreciate meaningful interactions with local people as part of their travel experience.”
The 16 countries featured at launch are Botswana, Cambodia, Costa Rica, Egypt, Greece, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Mexico, Morocco, Nepal, Peru, South Africa, Thailand, Vietnam and Zimbabwe.
The maximum group size is 16, with an average of 10-12 people per departure.
“Every meal tells the story of the people and place it came from,” added Mr Marceau.
“Accommodation is unique to the location and all trips have community tourism at their core, so travellers form a richer connection with local people and their culture, while also giving back as they travel.”
MORE DATES FOR DISCOVERY
BUNNIK TOURS have secured additional 2024 departure dates for their most sought-after tour, ‘Japan Discovery’.
They have also added a new departure date for their South Korea tours, which include ‘South Korea in Depth’ and ‘Discover South Korea & Japan’.
These additional dates are now available from April to November 2024, encompassing the highly sought-after cherry blossom and autumn leaves seasons.
“With all surrounding dates fully booked on our Japan Discovery small group tour, we are positive these extra departures will fill up soon,” said joint-CEO, Dennis Bunnik.
“Japan seems to be the destination of choice for Australian travellers and the demand just keeps on growing, particularly for spring cherry blossom tours in March and April.”
Their most popular tour, ‘Japan Discovery’, takes in the many different sides of the fascinating country, visiting Tokyo, Hakone, Nagano, Takayama, Hiroshima, Kyoto and Osaka.
“Our small group tour itineraries are crafted to really get to the heart of all that a destination has to offer through a balance of organised sightseeing, special local experiences and time for independent exploration,” added Dennis.
CAN YOU FEEL THE SERENITY?
APT HAVE just launched their Vietnam and Cambodia land and river cruise tours for 2024-2025, featuring the Mekong Serenity.
“Our tours include several new Signature Experiences, immersive travel experiences that showcase these two incredible countries,” said Brett Lemish, APT Product Manager for Vietnam & Cambodia.
New for the 2024-25 program are three optional stopovers in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok that can be added before or after an APT tour. These all consist of three days in each destination staying at premium boutique hotels.
There are also three new extensions that can be added in addition to tours in Vietnam and Cambodia. These are beach breaks in Koh Rong Island, Mui Ne and Vung Tau.
Spend seven nights on the Mekong Serenity, cruising from Cambodia to Vietnam on the 13-day ‘Vietnam & Cambodia Highlights’.
Witness the spectacle of the sun rising over Angkor Wat, experience a Buddhist blessing, visit Phnom Penh and riverside villages before exploring Ho Chi Minh City. Prices start from $7,695 per person twin share.
Guests can also take the 21-day ‘Best of Vietnam and Cambodia’ tour from historic Hanoi to Siem Reap.
Spend three days cruising Ha Long Bay, try your hand at Vietnamese cooking in Hoi An, glide down the Perfume River in Hue and explore Ho Chi Minh City before seven nights aboard Mekong Serenity, cruising to Siem Reap. Prices start from $11,695 per person twin share.
THERE’S EXCITEMENT DOWN SOUTH
ADVENTURE WORLD has announced the launch of its new ‘Authentic South America Collection’.
The collection promises travellers a journey into the heart and soul of the continent, providing rich cultural encounters and authentic experiences.
“This is more than a series of itineraries; it’s a culmination of years of experience and research from our team, ensuring that our travellers embark on an unforgettable adventure that goes beyond the ordinary and focuses on community, wildlife conservation and the rich culture in these countries,” said Neil Rodgers, Managing Director of Adventure World.
Key highlights include:
Authentic Ecuador: Seven-day Andean Adventure. From $3,877 per person.
This itinerary takes travellers into the heart of Andean culture and flavours. An exclusive tour through Quito has you savouring tamales, quimbolitos and more.
Travellers will stay in historic haciendas and visit local markets, artisans and colonial cities.
Authentic Latin Rendezvous: Nine-day Fusion of Passion and Nature. From $4,669 pp.
This itinerary combines the passion of Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro with a visit to Iguazu Falls.
Travellers can also visit hole-in-the-wall eateries known as paradillas, dance the tango, take in a Samba school workshop and listen to Brazilian jazz.
Authentic Peru: 14-day Cultural Journey. From $7,775 pp.
This itinerary takes travellers to all the highlights of Peru, including Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, Puno and the Amazon rainforest.
Guests can also become immersed with a visit to the Chinchero Community where master female weavers demonstrate the traditional process of extracting and colouring alpaca and llama wool and guests try the local tea.
“We believe that the best way to experience South America is to immerse yourself in the local culture and surround yourself with the local people. Our Authentic South America Collection is designed to do just that.”
GET ON TRACK TO SEE NORTH AMERICA
TWO AWARD-WINNING travel companies have announced the expansion of their partnership.
Tauck and Rocky Mountaineer are introducing two new North American journeys that each feature a scenic two-day rail component.
The two new itineraries are the eight-day ‘Salt Lake City to Denver by Rocky Mountaineer’ and the 10-day ‘The Best of Western Canada & Rocky Mountaineer’.
The two companies already partner on a third itinerary, ‘Vancouver & the Rockies by Rocky Mountaineer’.
The train segment in each of Tauck’s two new itineraries will pair the ease, relaxation and romance of rail travel – including panoramic views of alpine landscapes – with the comfort and amenities provided by full-service hotel accommodations along the way.
Tauck’s new ‘Salt Lake City to Denver by Rocky Mountaineer’ begins with two days sightseeing in SLC and a visit to nearby Park City, once a bustling mining town and now a four-season resort area set in the heart of the Rockies.
During a subsequent two-night stay in Moab, Utah, guests will visit Dead Horse Point State Park, take a flightseeing excursion over Canyonlands National Park and enjoy a choice of either a gentle whitewater rafting adventure on the Colorado River or a 4×4 off-road tour.
After exploring Arches National Park, guests will board their Rocky Mountaineer train and travel to Glenwood Springs, Colorado, where they’ll enjoy a night’s hotel stay.
The following day the train will head to Denver, traversing the Continental Divide by travelling through the nine-kilometre-long Moffat Tunnel outside of the city.
The remainder of the journey is comprised of a two-night stay at The Four Seasons Hotel Denver, with an exploration of the city and the Rocky Mountain foothills bordering Denver to the west.
The eight-day tour is priced from $12,932 per person double occupancy and the 10-day itinerary from $15,940 per person double occupancy.
“In 2025, Tauck will celebrate its 100th year,” said David Clark, Tauck Managing Director Australia.
“To celebrate, we are pleased to launch a curated collection of new and reimagined tours, introducing new journeys, destinations and favourite trips from years gone by reimagined for today’s travellers.”
Tauck’s range of unique, new experiences for 2025 include:
- Two new Tauck Bridges family adventures in Japan and Scotland designed for family travellers of all ages and generations to enjoy together
- A new river cruise on the Rhine and Moselle, bookended by Paris and Prague
- Nine days in Colombia travelling in and around Bogotá, Medellin and Cartagena
- A journey exploring America through its musical roots from Nashville to New Orleans.
Competition Q2: What does TT2 stand for?
ACTION & ADVENTURE GUARANTEED
AN AUTHENTIC and unforgettable exploration through one of the country’s most captivating regions.
That’s how a new tour from World Expeditions is being described as it prepares to depart through the heart of Rajasthan on February 24 next year.
The action-packed and culturally rich itinerary spans 15 days, combining adventure, cultural immersion and relaxation.
“India is like no other destination on earth – steeped in culture and spirituality, brimming with colour and culture and blessed with vast and varied landscapes,” said Sarah Higgins, Operations Manager for World Expeditions.
“I would recommend this trip to both first time visitors to India and to those who have already experienced this ancient, fascinating and shamelessly photogenic land.”
Highlights of the ‘North India Adventure’ include a camel safari through the Thar Desert, a four-day cycle through the backroads of rural India and passing through the Sariska Tiger Reserve, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary and deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri.
Guests will also explore the intricate architecture of Jaisalmer and the historic cities of Jodphur and Jaipur. The trip culminates with the spectacle of the Taj Mahal at sunrise.
The 15-day tour is priced from $3,990 (flights not included).
