Mild Rover: Go your own way

Curated tours, cruises, resorts and reviews
Home Blog Page 10

China peach: four-city tour has everything

By
Michael G Browne
-
0

China might not be all things to all people (I’m not being political, relax), China is an entire world unto itself – an eclectic fusion of ultra-modern cities, jaw-dropping natural landscapes, and ancient cultural treasures. On this unbeatable ten-day package, the myths and legends of the Orient are yours to discover!

Begin with a tour of Beijing, taking in iconic sights from the Forbidden City to Tiananmen Square; learn about traditional Chinese medicine at ‘Tongrentang’ and explore the bucket list icon, the Great Wall of China.

Witness the UNESCO-listed Lingering Garden in Suzhou, enjoy a Longjing tea tasting at Meijiawu Tea Village and take a boat ride on the gorgeous West Lake of Hangzhou. Feel dwarfed by the glittering skyscrapers of Shanghai and much more.

The Tripadeal package includes return international flights, eight nights of 4-star hotel accommodation, daily breakfast, and much more – all from just $999 per person!

Tour Highlights

  • Explore Beijing, Hangzhou, Suzhou and Shanghai
  • Visit historic Tiananmen Square in Beijing
  • Step back in time to the UNESCO-listed Forbidden City
  • Visit a local Jade Museum and see artisans at work
  • Tick off the bucket list at the Great Wall of China
  • Learn about traditional Chinese medicine at ‘Tongrentang’ in Beijing
  • Learn about Longjing Tea at Meijiawu Tea Village, including tasting
  • Enjoy a boat ride on Hangzhou’s scenic West Lake
  • Visit Suzhou’s Lingering Garden and a silk spinning factory
  • View the dazzling Shanghai skyline from The Bund
  • Delve into China’s history at Shanghai Museum

For all the details and terms and conditions, check out the TripADeal site CLICK HERE

Sail the South Pacific to Hawaii, two for one fare

By
Michael G Browne
-
0
Cooks Bay, Moorea, French Polynesia

The thing about Australia being a cruise destination is it makes it doubly attractive as a place to embark and this two-for-one special departs Brisbane. If you’re after a tropical escape that offers relaxation and adventure, then this 20-day South Pacific cruise and accommodation package is just for you.

What more could you ask for than warm, sunny days on exotic islands with crystal-clear waters and friendly locals? Top it off with a relaxing few days in Honolulu to enjoy that blend of the best of the US and Pacific island life.

Depart from the bustling shores of Brisbane and set sail on a remarkable 15-night cruise. Spend your initial days at leisure aboard the Royal Caribbean’s ‘Quantum of the Seas’ ship, making the most of the outstanding facilities as you cruise through the South Pacific Ocean. From Broadway-style spectacles to the thrill of simulated skydiving or surfing, the ship offers activities for every taste.

Enjoy breathtaking ocean views from the North Star, a panoramic glass capsule that elevates you 300 feet above sea level. Lounge by the pool, rejuvenate at the spa and let luxury surround you.

Culinary experiences abound, ranging from casual cafes to sumptuous buffets. Delight in the flavours of Jamie Oliver’s Italian restaurant or be captivated by the Bionic Bar’s robotic mixologists crafting innovative cocktails.

Dock on picturesque islands where you can feel the warm sand between your toes and the gentle ocean breeze on your face in French Polynesia.

Take a surf lesson or paddleboard along the shore at Papenoo Beach in Tahiti, head to Tiki Village to experience a traditional Polynesian dance in Moorea, snorkel coral reefs, spot sea turtles in Raiatea, and more. There’s so much to experience in the South Pacific, from the unique culture and traditions of the local people to the delicious cuisine and the stunning tropical landscapes.

Your holiday gets even better once you reach vibrant Honolulu, Hawaii, where you can spend three to five days at leisure indulging in delicious Hawaiian cuisine, basking in the sun on the many white sand beaches and learning about the island’s rich history at the Pearl Harbor Memorial or Polynesian Cultural Center. 

Experience all of this on a 15-night Royal Caribbean cruise across the Pacific Ocean with a one-way international flight, a choice of 3 or 4 nights of quality accommodation post-cruise in Honolulu, 44 meals, including all while cruising and more.

Tour Highlights

  • 15 nights aboard Royal Caribbean’s magnificent ‘Quantum of the Seas’ ship
  • An unforgettable experience cruising across the Pacific Ocean from Brisbane to Honolulu
  • Soak up the sun with your choice of 3 to 5 days at leisure in Honolulu after your cruise
  • Cruise to the beautiful islands of French Polynesia & Hawaii
  • Marvel at the bright blue waters, and soaring green mountain peaks of Moorea
  • Dock in Tahiti – the largest island in French Polynesia
  • Escape the city heat at the botanical gardens of the French Polynesia Assembly Complex
  • While in French Polynesia, taste the delicious national dish of poisson cru — chunks of raw fish marinated in coconut milk.
  • Visit Raiatea, traditionally known as ancient Havai’i, the sacred island at the centre of the Polynesian Triangle

Prices start at $6999 for 2 people for 20 days and you’ll earn 10,497 Qantas points into the bargain.

For all the details and terms and conditions, check out the TripADeal site CLICK HERE

All of Sri Lanka small group tour

By
Michael G Browne
-
0

THE DEAL: The best of Sri Lanka on a 15 day small group tour, $2999 per person twin share, valued up to $6999 a saving of 57%. You’ll also earn 4,497 Qantas Frequent Flyer points.

THE APPEAL: Pop your safari hat on for this trip of a lifetime through Sri Lanka, the jewel of South Asia. A wild and vast landscape of untamed jungles, fragrant tea plantations and lost temples – now you can experience it all in style with this 5-star luxury small group tour.

Kick your journey off with a guided tour of Negombo’s most significant sites, before journeying through the lush Sigirya, where you can take up the optional tour of the imposing rock fortress.

Journey through the time-worn city of Polonnaruwa, where the ancient relics left behind, like the Royal Palace and Lotus Bath, will paint a vivid picture of the emperors and empresses who reigned there centuries ago.

The fun doesn’t end there, though; you will also take in the gilded majesty of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy, buckle up for a Jeep safari through Yala National Park and enjoy a traditional high tea in the pioneering tea town of Nuwara Eliya and so much more.

Feel like Indiana Jones by day and retreat to luxurious 5-star accommodation by night on this incredible tour featuring return international flights, daily breakfast and return airport transfers.

Tour Highlights

  • Experience the best of Sri Lanka on a luxury small group tour with a max of 20 travellers per vehicle
  • Visit Kandy, Negombo, Galle, Ella, Sigiriya, Yala National Park, Colombo and more
  • Travel to Sigiriya, home of the ancient rock fortress
  • Experience a guided tour of ancient 12th century city of Polonnaruwa
  • Visit a spice garden in Matale where you will learn about a variety of spices Sri Lanka is famous for
  • Get a taste of local life while wandering through the wonderful Kandy market on a city tour
  • Visit the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya, 147 acres of magnificently landscaped gardens
  • Explore the hillside tea plantations of Nuwara Eliya & enjoy a traditional high tea at the Grand Hotel
  • View Ella’s famous Nine Arch Bridge and Ravana Falls
  • Seek out leopards, elephants and bears on a Jeep safari within the Yala National Park
  • Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Dutch Galle Fort, the largest intact Dutch fort in Asia
  • Enjoy sightseeing tours of Negombo and Colombo
  • Stay at the award winning 5-Star Heritance Kandalama

For more information, including availability, prices and booking, CLICK HERE

Vietnam by the Book – a unique tour for keen readers

By
Jimmy Thomson
-
0
Ninh Binh - "Halong Bay on land" - Pic Mark Bowyer, Old Compass Tours

I reckon I know Vietnam pretty well. I have written two non-fiction books about the “American War” and I’ve set a major part of two crime fiction novels there. I have also travelled there at least a dozen times – including thrice this year alone, in multi-day stop-overs on trips returning from Europe.

But I don’t know the country and its people anything like as well as my friend Mark Bowyer does; he has been travelling there since 1990, is fluent in Vietnamese and has started a couple of businesses in the country, including a travel company.

Vietnam by the Book

Tour dates:
Saturday 16 March 2024 – Sunday 31 March 2024
Saturday 19 Oct. 2024 – Sunday 3 Nov. 2024.

Pricing:
US$4490 per person twin share
US$1390 single traveller supplement
– single travellers welcome

Group size: Maximum 14

Contact: info@oldcompasstravel.com

Website: Click HERE.

He’s also spent a lot of time photographing, talking to and writing about the country and its people.

And that’s why I am drawn to his “Vietnam By The Book” tour. This tour is different. Having spent almost quarter of a century travelling to and living in Vietnam, including setting up the iconic Old Compass cafe and Old Compass Travel agency, Mark has pulled together a very different kind of adventure from the wham-bam, tick-the-tourist-boxes kind of trip that is often organised, especially from Australia.

In his own words, this is an “unforgettable 16-day journey through the history, culture, cuisine and unique beauty of Vietnam, using the works of three authors to help us along our way.”

The book in focus are Graham Greene’s The Quiet American, Duong Van Mai Elliott’s Sacred Willow and Nguyen Qui Duc’s Where the Ashes Are, tell three different stories of Vietnam’s modern history.

“The insights of the authors will guide this unique travel experience. Our shared reading will enrich our travels. We’ll travel and read beyond these books too.

Graham Greene

The trip takes you to Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Dien Bien Phu, Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park, DMZ, Hue, My Son, Hoi An and Saigon. But it will be so much more than.

Mark is fluent in Vietnamese and loves nothing more than interacting with local people wherever he goes, so this will be a pretty immersive experience.

To find out more, go to the Old Compass Travel website. Old Compass also offers a fascinating walking tour of Saigon and an alternative, more respectful and thoughtful tour of the Cu Chi tunnels.

To express and interest or sign up for this tour, email Mark at info@oldcompasstravel.com and mention MildRover. They’ll get right back to you with a full tour dossier.

And to receive updates or join a meetup to hear more about the Vietnam by the Book small group tours, sign up for the Rusty Compass newsletter focused on By the Book tours.

ABOUT MARK BOWYER

Australia-born and educated, Mark, this tour’s designer and tour leader, has explored Vietnam like few outsiders.

He first visited in 1990 when the country was opening up to the world after decades of war and hard-line communism. He loved the place so much he co-founded a successful travel company based in Saigon in 1993. He’s been exploring, photographing and writing about Vietnam ever since.

Mark is frequently quoted in international media and has been a speaker for Lindblad National Geographic Expeditions, Smithsonian, Tauck Tours and others. He is the owner of Rusty Compass and co-owns Old Compass Travel and the Old Compass Cafe and event space in Ho Chi Minh City.

To find out more about Mark, check www.rustycompass.com or his YouTube channel here.

Sydney to Alaska – 43 ports in 80 days

By
Michael G Browne
-
0
Photo Credit: Travel Alaska, Jody Overstreet

If you fancy some Northern Exposure and want to drink in probably the most spectacular scenery on the planet, Alaska is the place to cruise. The Inside Passage has mountains that climb a thousand metres straight from the sea, seemingly endless kilometres of lush rainforest and thousands of islands. Beware sensory overload.

Most Australians fly to Canada to board a voyage to Alaska but Australian boutique ship specialist, Cruise Traveller, has released a new grand, ultra-luxe, 81-night cruise package for February, 2024, that will take pampered guests all the way from Sydney to Vancouver via a string of exotic destinations across Asia and Alaska.

For bookings made by November 30, 2023, Cruise Traveller’s package includes a Business Class flight back to Australia, a bonus US$2000 in spending money and an exclusive A$1000 saving on any future Seabourn cruise.

Cruise Traveller’s new, five-star ‘Grand Australia, Asia and Alaska’ package begins in style on February 20, 2024, with a night’s stay in Sydney and a grand, bon voyage dinner. Guests then board the elegant 450-guest Seabourn Odyssey in Sydney for an indulgent, 80-night voyage that visits 43 destinations across Australia, Asia, Alaska and Canada.

The sleek and spacious Seabourn Odyssey boasts sweeping, teak decks, deluxe bars and lounges, European-style cafes, fine dining restaurants, two pools, five outdoor jacuzzis – including one positioned spectacularly in the bow of the ship.

Pampered guests also enjoy free-flowing, complimentary beverages onboard and complimentary speciality dining as well as luxury bathroom products including an exclusive signature scent created for Seabourn by Molten Brown London.

From Sydney, the grand journey will take in ports in Queensland plus Darwin before venturing north to East Timor, Bali, The Philippines, Vietnam and Hong Kong.

The voyage then continues to a string of ports in Japan, South Korea and China before crossing to Alaska for a spectacular cruise through glacier fjords and to mountain-fringed whale-watching towns before the cruise ends in Vancouver, Canada.

Guests will end the holiday of a lifetime on a high note with included Business Class flights back to Australia.

Snapshot of inclusions and features – ‘Grand Australia, Asia and Alaska’ package

* 81 nights from February 20, 2024

* One-night stay in Sydney pre-cruise

* 80-night voyage from Sydney to Vancouver aboard Seabourn Odyssey

* Business Class flight from Vancouver to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide or Perth

* Includes onboard, complimentary, premium spirits and fine wines, world-class dining, onboard WiFi and free onboard spending money of between US$2000 and US$3000 per twin stateroom, depending on cabin

* Special Grand Voyage event and pillow gifts plus unlimited laundry and pressing onboard

* Private car transfers

* Exclusive offer of A$1000 per stateroom cruise credit on any subsequent Seabourn cruise booked through Cruise Traveller

The 81-night package is available from A$46,199 per person, twin-share, in an Oceanview Suite – a saving pf A$2500 per person, including US$2000 onboard spending money per twin stateroom. The package with Business Class flights, onboard spending bonus and future cruise credit are for bookings made with Cruise Traveller by November 30, 2023.

For details and to daydream over the itinerary, call Cruise Traveller on 1800 507 777 or visit www.CruiseTraveller.com.au/seabournAAA  

Kaamala Resort, Ubud, Bali

By
Michael G Browne
-
0
Royal One-Bedroom Rice Field View Villa with Pool

THE DEAL: This deal is for three nights from A$899/suite with a value of up to A$1700 and saving of up to 47%. Hotel and flight packages start at A$1,973 (Two Adults).

THE APPEAL: Retreat to jungle-fringed paradise at Kaamala Resort Ubud, a five-star romantic haven perfect for those seeking a serene escape. Fall in love with this impressive hideaway, where traditional stone and wood carvings are complemented by modern design, and sweeping views over terraced paddies and breathtaking valleys leave you spellbound.

Absorb the beauty of the landscape from the resort’s stunning infinity pool, complete with a large hammock overlooking the edge. Tap into the spiritual with daily yoga sessions or restore, renew and rejuvenate at the clifftop Svaha Spa.

While this tranquil oasis may leave you feeling miles away from the every day, the endless wonders of Ubud are all within close reach, including the Sacred Monkey Forest, Ubud Art Market and Ubud Palace. Return to Wild Air Restaurant, where signature Indonesian plates and panoramic views over Ubud’s world-famous rice fields await.

Travelling with family? Upgrade to a Two Bedroom Ricefield View Villa with Private Pool for up to four adults and two children.

Longer Stay Bonus: Extend your stay to five nights or more to receive one additional floating breakfast experience (excluding Suite Forest View package), or seven nights or more to receive the above, plus two afternoon teas and two 60-minute massages per adult.

For more information, including availability, prices and booking, CLICK HERE.

Qunci Villas, Lombok

By
Michael G Browne
-
0

THE DEAL: Stay for 3 nights from A$499/room, taxes and fees included, valued up to A$2,134, a saving of up to 77%.

THE APPEAL: Immerse yourself in the beach-blessed beauty of Bali’s sister island, Lombok, with a boutique escape at Qunci Villas, perfectly poised on Senggigi’s Mangsit Beach. This serene hideaway offers the utmost luxury and privacy, backed by five-star hospitality and spectacular hilltop views of the shining Bali Sea.

Perfect for those who want to soak up the serenity, the property’s exceptional facilities include three dining options – savour exquisite Indonesian favourites at the open-air Quali Asian Dining, local fresh-caught seafood served with fine-dining flair at Qerang and seaside Italian bites at NooQ Sunset Bar & Lounge.

There’s no better place to find your island spirit – relax on the beachfront, slip into one of three shimmering swimming pools (including an adults-only pool) or indulge in wellness treatments inspired by ancient Javanese methods at Qamboja Spa. When you’re ready to explore, this villa oasis is the perfect base for discovering the renowned Gili Islands, where underwater kingdoms promise snorkelling and scuba adventures beyond compare.

Longer-stay bonus: Extend your stay to seven nights or more and enjoy one additional 60-minute Balinese massage treatment per adult and roundtrip airport transfers.

Travelling with family? Upgrade to the Two-Bedroom Pool Room or Qunang Two-Bedroom Luxury Villa with up to four guests included, or the Qusia Three-Bedroom Luxury Villa for up to six guests.

For more information, including availability, prices and booking, CLICK HERE.

Luxury Kimberley Cruise

By
Michael G Browne
-
0
Aerial, King George River

THE DEAL: Cruise Traveller’s exclusive, 12-night ‘Kingdom of the Kimberley’ fly, cruise and stay package. A 10-night, all-inclusive, expedition cruise as well as savings of A$7420 per couple, or almost half the fare for solo travellers – for bookings made by November 30, 2023. Yes, that’s soon.

THE APPEAL: Remote, billion-year-old landscapes, ancient rock art, colourful Dreamtime stories and abundant wildlife can be enjoyed in luxury aboard Ponant’s 184-guest exploration ship, Le Jacques Cartier, from Broome to Darwin and through the Kimberley in 2024. Four sailings are available from July to September, 2024.

Launched in 2020 and named after a 16th Century French maritime explorer, the sleek and stylish Le Jacques Cartier boasts a refined and intimate, French-styled elegance, fine dining restaurants, plush lounges, theatre, spectacular infinity pool, an expert expedition team and personalised service. All staterooms offer a private balcony or terrace.

Le Jacques Cartier will take adventure seekers on an in-depth exploration of the Kimberley’s spectacular gorges, thundering waterfalls and age-old rock art with colourful Dreamtime stories, migrating whales and pulse-quickening crocodiles adding to the allure and excitement.

The 10-night expedition voyage from Broome to Darwin boasts remarkable sights such as towering King George Falls, coral-filled Montgomery Reef and Horizontal Falls where the ocean surges at high tide through a narrow break in the cliffs.

The package includes two nights’ accommodation in Broome before the cruise and an included flight to Broome and back from Darwin ex Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide or Perth.

The voyage includes guided, complimentary excursions on Zodiacs and ashore. The cruise also includes the luxury of a daily open bar onboard Le Jacques Cartier.

Snapshot of inclusions and highlights – ‘Kingdom of the Kimberley’ package:
* 12 night package with four sailing dates from July to September, 2024

* Flight to Broome and back from Darwin, ex Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide or Perth

* Two-night hotel stay in Broome pre-cruise

* 10-night expedition cruise from Broome to Darwin aboard Ponant’s Le Jacques Cartier
* Zodiac excursions and an open bar are included in fares

The package is available from A$13,345 per person, twin-share, in a Deluxe Balcony stateroom – a saving of A$3710 each.  Solo travellers can enjoy even bigger savings, with the package available in a Deluxe Balcony stateroom from $A17,335 – a substantial saving of A$16,020, which is almost half price (very limited in spaces – early bookings recommended, subject to availability).  These fares are based on the September 7 and 27 departures in 2024. The savings apply to bookings made with Cruise Traveller by November 30, 2023.

To book, visit www.CruiseTraveller.com.au/kimberleykingdom24 (direct link) or call Cruise Traveller on 1800 507 777 or see www.cruisetraveller.com.au

The Langham Sydney

By
Michael G Browne
-
0

THE DEAL: Stay for 2 nights from A$899/room including taxes and fees, valued up to $2000, save up to 55%

THE APPEAL: Find yourself in the timeless elegance of the five-star The Langham, Sydney, a palatial sanctuary perfectly positioned on Kent Street, the city’s spectacular harbourside heart.

Residing within a beautiful Irish Georgian-style facade, this boutique hotel boasts 97 guest rooms and suites, a glittering indoor pool, state-of-the-art health club and the iconic Observatory Bar.

For a brief departure from reality, awaken your senses at The Day Spa by Chuan with bespoke treatments inspired by the elements of the earth. Lap up spectacular harbour views or use this central launchpad to explore the best of Australia’s harbour city.

Occupying an iconic corner in the heart of Sydney, this retreat raises the standard for global luxury accommodation. Boasting an enviable location on Kent Street in Millers Point, The Langham, Sydney is ideally located between the harbour-side playground of Barangaroo, gourmet Walsh Bay and the charismatic The Rocks.

When you’re ready to explore, Sydney’s countless delights are just a short walk (or ferry ride) away – you’ll be less than a 15-minute drive from the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge and the Royal Botanic Garden.

Finish your day of exploration with a show at the Sydney Lyric Theatre or return to your boutique abode for regal afternoon tea.

For more information, including availability, prices and booking, CLICK HERE.

Luxuriate on the shores of the Kimberley wilderness

By
Michael G Browne
-
0

The Kimberley is the farthest North you can go in the massive state of Western Australia and it’s not just far from just about anywhere, it holds a unique place in the human history of the continent. Australia’s first inhabitants landed here.

Its 12,000 kilometres of spectacular coastline are popular with cruise lovers and the spectacular wilderness inland is beloved of the rugged outdoorsy, know-how-to four-wheel-drive-for-real type of bush basher. It’s right in our own backyard geographically and if you like a backyard to lose yourself in, they don’t come any better.

Broome and Cable Beach are probably the best-known places in the Kimberley to get away from it all but we’ve got a suggestion that makes even those idyllic spots seem as crowded as Sydney Harbour on New Years Eve.

For starters, you can only get there by charter flight and once you’re there, the five star experience is even better than the star-filled night sky. Here’s what LuxuryEscapes has to say.

Truly get away from it all in this remote corner of Western Australia’s breathtaking Kimberley region, with a one-of-a-kind escape to Berkeley River Lodge.

Become one of the privileged few to experience the serenity of these incredible landscapes at this unique adults-only haven, with just 20 architecturally striking villas perched above the sapphire bay. With included roundtrip domestic flights from Darwin or Kununurra, it’s never been easier to find luxury in the heart of Australia’s spectacular bushland.

Experience barefoot luxury and outstanding service, with days spent exploring the secrets of the Australian bush, with complimentary outback experiences to enhance your stay, including fishing expeditions, guided hikes, stargazing nights and 4WD tours. Between adventures, spend time at your unique accommodation savouring gourmet food or simply relaxing poolside, overlooking the pristine coastline and deep red earth.

It’s an all-inclusive adults-only Kimberley outback escape with gourmet dining & roundtrip charter plane transfers. The deal is for 5 nights from A$9,499/room inclusive of fees and taxes, valued up to $A16,250.

For all the details and package options CLICK HERE

1...91011...22Page 10 of 22

Contact us: contact@mildrover.com

If you like us, please share the love

If you enjoyed the articles, reviews and offers here, please subscribe to our newsletter and/or share this with fellow travellers on social media or just plain old email.  We are trying to build our readership and every little helps. Thanks.

© Copyright - Words Worth Publishing 2023

https://prf.hn/l/8j8LBMA