Ellen Barone

Sonesta Bayfront is known as an artsy place where business travelers, families and singles can relax and enjoy the benefits of Coconut Grove with its off-beat, laid-back ambiance and quiet sophistication.  This summer travelers can choose from 20% off up to 3 nights or a 4th Night Free program offered through September 27th.

Sonesta Bayfront Hotel Coconut Grove has introduced a summer of savings at the hotel available through September 27th.  Guests can choose from a savings of 10% off two nights or 20% off three night stays or, take advantage of the 4th Night Free program introduced for the Summer*.  Rates begin at just $189 per night before your choice of savings.

Select from an assortment of comfortable, well-appointed and smartly decorated accommodations. From traditional guest rooms to expansive two-bedroom suites. Enjoy wonderful views of Biscayne Bay or the city skyline and experience its off-beat, laid-back ambiance and quiet sophistication.

*Rates and Packages are subject to availability. Children under 17 stay free with an adult. Not available for groups or during special events.

The Sonesta Bayfront Hotel Coconut Grove is located at 2889 McFarlane Road. The 22-story property offers 225 contemporary-styled guest rooms, and 1- and 2-bedroom suites, featuring a contemporary design and works of art from Sonesta’s renowned collection. Many of the luxurious guest rooms and suites feature bay views and all rooms provide private balconies and high-tech conveniences, including 42” flat screen, wall-mounted LCD televisions. Suites feature fully-equipped kitchens with all the conveniences of home and are perfect for families or extended stays. The hotel has a spectacular outdoor pool located on the 8th floor overlooking Biscayne Bay, the Marina and Peacock Park across the street. It is also the home of Panorama Restaurant & Lounge, known for its Peruvian cuisine, and the recently opened Nikki Beach Coconut Grove located on the ground level of the hotel. Additional hotel amenities include a Business Center, 2 lounges, plus 12,360 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space. The hotel is located in the village of Coconut Grove, just minutes by car from the Miami Seaquarium, Children’s Museum and Fairchild Gardens.

Sonesta Collection is a distinctive international collection of upscale hotels, resorts and cruise ships. Every property reflects the energy, style and spirit of its location. Locally-inspired and artfully-presented cuisine, luxurious accommodations and passionate personal service create an authentic and memorable guest experience. Discover the Sonesta Collection in Boston, New Orleans (2), Miami, St. Maarten (2), Brazil (2), Peru (6) and Egypt (12). Look for Sonesta opening soon in Orlando, FL; Jaco Beach, Costa Rica; and San Carlos, Mexico. Visit Sonesta.com or call 800.Sonesta (800.766.3782) in the U.S. and Canada.

 

 

Source: Sonesta International Hotels Corporation 

Intrepid Travel announces three new India adventure trips with 10 percent off when booked by June 2008.

Get off the beaten path and experience India at its finest. Intrepid Travel announces three new adventure trips offering a unique perspective on this varied country:

Ladakh Explorer Adventure

Trek through challenging and beautiful landscapes, stopping to explore monasteries and old forts, and meet the locals during village homestays. Virtually cut off from the rest of the world, historical Ladakh is sure to delight even the most seasoned adventure traveler. 10 days, prices from $620, http://www.intrepidtravel.com/trips/HAL

Holy India Adventure

Journey to the heights of the Himalayan foothills in India’s Northern provinces by train and private air conditioned vehicle. Visit the home of Tibet’s exiled government and his Holiness the Dalai Lama in Dharamsala’s Little Lhasa. Watch the sun dance over the holy Golden Temple in Amritsar, the Sikh religion’s most spiritual site. Step back to the period of the Raj and discover the grandeur of Shimla, British India’s summer capital. 9 days, prices from $1300, http://www.intrepidtravel.com/trips/HAD

Orissa India Adventure

Soak up the vibrant cultures and architectural marvels in Orissa. Ancient civilizations and holy sites sit side-by-side with tribal areas and serene parks; discover it all on this journey that takes in markets, off-the-beaten-track towns and bustling cities. 15 days, $1275 (plus local payment), http://www.intrepidtravel.com/trips/HSO

For travelers to India with a yearning to get off the beaten track, Intrepid Travel opens up a whole new world of adventure. Intrepid’s small-group adventure tours immerse the traveler in Indian culture while exposing them to real life experiences along the way.

To take advantage of the 10 percent off promotion choose from any of the new India adventure trips and book with Intrepid Travel by June 30, 2008. For more information and terms and conditions on this promotion please visit http://www.intrepidtravel.com

With over 19 years of experience, Intrepid Travel is one of the world’s leading small group adventure tour operators. Intrepid offers over 400 itineraries in more than 90 destinations worldwide. Intrepid trips are designed to go off the beaten track, meet the locals and travel in an unconventional way, joining locals on their transport, in their markets and even in their homes.

SOURCE Intrepid Travel
 

HONOR THY MOTHER AND FATHER WITH THE GIFT OF LAST MINUTE TRAVEL

Before you buy a necktie for Dad and pricey perfumes for Mom this parental holiday season, LastMinuteTravel.com encourages you to consider a more memorable gift idea: the gift of vacation. With newly created vacation packages and hotel deals tailored specifically for Mothers’ and Fathers’ Day, including some with value-added freebies, LastMinuteTravel.com guarantees that the gift of travel will show the utmost appreciation for parents everywhere.

“No one is more deserving of an impulse getaway than Moms and Dads, whether it’s May, June, or any other time of year,” states Amir Inditzky, Director of E-Commerce for LastMinuteTravel.com, a Travel Holdings, Inc. company. “We’ve been working with our hotel partners to offer travelers some very special hotel deals, packages, and complimentary add-ons in recognition of these two important holidays.”

Free offers included when booking hotel deals on LastMinuteTravel.com during select days in both May and June include:

LAS VEGAS: Resort, Slot, and Food Credits

- The Palazzo Las Vegas (Five Star): Complimentary slot and food credits
- Trump Hotel & Towers (Five Star): $25 resort credit
- Circus Circus (Three Star): Complimentary Food Credits

COSTA RICA: Pay for four nights, stay for five

- Best Western Irazu Hotel & Casino in San Jose (Four Star)
- Best Western Jaco Beach Resort (Four Star)
- Best Western San Jose Downtown (Four Star)

FLORIDA: Free room nights

- Amerisuites Sabal Park, Tampa (Three and a Half Star): Pay for two nights, stay for three, with complimentary breakfast
- Best Western JTB Southpoint, Jacksonville (Three Star): Pay for two nights, stay for three, with complimentary breakfast
- Ramada Heritage Park, Orlando (Two Star): Pay for four nights, stay for five

PACIFIC RIM: Pay for two nights, stay for three

- Eastin Hotel & Spa, Bangkok, Thailand (Five Star)
- Rydges Auckland, Christchurch, or Rotorua, New Zealand (Four Star)

In time for Mothers’ Day, many featured hotels on LastMinuteTravel.com are introducing special room rates exclusively during May, including:

MEXICO: Free all-inclusive

- Great Parnassus Resort & Spa, Cancun (Four Star): $200 per night, all-inclusive oceanfront
- Sirenis Tropical Suites Casino & Spa, Punta Cana (Five Star): $129 per night, all-inclusive, set in a Caribbean coconut grove
- Desire Resort & Spa, Riviera Maya (Four and a Half Star): $365 per night, all-inclusive and couples-only, compared to $450 on competitor sites

UNITED STATES: Domestic Discounts

- Hotel 71, Chicago, Ill. (Three and a Half Star): $136, compared to $245 on competitor sites
- Red Rock Resort, Casino, and Spa Hotel, Las Vegas, Nev. (Five Star): $148, compared to $182 on competitor sites
- Palm Mountain Resort & Spa, Palm Springs, Calif. (Three Star): $75 per night, compared to $163 on competitor sites
- Gaia Napa Valley Hotel & Spa, Napa Valley, Calif. (Four Star): $138 per night, compared to $245 on competitor sites. An environmentally sustainable property

Additional vacation packages designed for Dad by LastMinuteTravel.com, available for four nights from June 12 - 16, 2008, include:

GOLF RESORTS: Package Perfection

- Doral Golf Resort, Miami, Fla. (Four and a Half Star): From $476, including airfare and five 18-hole golf courses on-property, compared to $527 on competitor sites
- Resort at Singer Island, Palm Springs, Fla. (Four Star): Pay for five nights, stay for four at $209 per night, compared to $240 on competitor sites
- Hilton Tucson El Conquistador Golf & Tennis Resort, Tucson, Ariz. (Four Star): From $483, including airfare, with on-site golf courses, equestrian center, and more, compared to $610 on competitor sites
- Hilton Cancun Golf & Spa Resort, Cancun, Mexico (Four and a Half Star): From $545, including airfare
- Innisbrook Resort & Golf Club, Tampa, Fla. (Four and a Half Star): From $461, including airfare, with rolling hills, lakes, and four championship courses

“There are many more exclusive packages and discounts available on the site now and during the next two months,” states Inditzky. For more information on other travel deals and destinations, or joining the LastMinuteTravel Club for additional behind-the-scenes discounts on hotels, visit http://www.LastMinuteTravel.com.

About LastMinuteTravel.com
Last Minute Travel (http://www.LastMinuteTravel.com), a wholly owned subsidiary of Travel Holdings, Inc., is the premier online website for Last Minute Travel deals offering cheap travel packages, discounted airfare, bargains on hotel accommodations, car rentals, cruise specials and more to the top traveled destinations worldwide. A pioneer in selling and marketing online travel, LastMinuteTravel.com allows travelers to find the best deals at the last possible moment, as hotel rates can change every second.

 

 

Source: YPartnership 

 

TAKE A LAST MINUTE SAFARI TO CHONGWE RIVER HOUSE AND SAVE
 
LOWER ZAMBEZI, ZAMBIA

Chongwe River House is offering incredible last minute safari savings.  Guests will have the opportunity to stay at the luxurious House at the rate of US $400 per person per night.  Included in the rates are: accommodations, meals, all game viewing, laundry, bar, National Park fees, and a private guide.  That’s a saving of over 50%. The offer is valid from April through June 30th, 2008.

For travelers who wish to extend their stay in Africa, Chongwe River Camp and Robin Pope Safaris have created a nine night Lower Zambezi/South Luangwa combo.  This fantastic Zambian blend of two unique locations is only US $2880 per person for nine nights. Included in the rates are: accommodations, meals, all game viewing, laundry, bar, National Park fees, and a private guide.

The Chongwe River House is an extraordinary architectural creation.   Built around trees, the walls are integrated with the branches so there are no straight lines or right corners in the entire house making it truly an extension of the surrounding environment.  Designed by Neil Rocher, this stunning four bedroom, four bath private house is built entirely of white ferro cement walls and wild wood.

Robin Pope Safaris, located in a remote and unspoiled environment, offers guests the opportunity to go on safari in vehicles or the more up-close and personal option of a walking safari through the bush.  Robin Pope Safaris offers three camps with stylish accommodation, attentive service, fine dining, and some of the best guides in Africa.   The South Luangwa Park, where they are located is often called the finest wildlife sanctuary in Africa, covering over 9,000 sq. km.

For more information or reservations on Chongwe River House, contact faith@iconnect.zm or visit the website at www.chongwe.com.  For more information on Robin Pope Safaris contact info@robinpopesafaris.net or visit the website at www.robinpopesafaris.net

 

Source: Montgomery Communications

 

The world’s great rivers and waterways have sparked the imaginations of countless artists and writers, and have prompted explorers to set out on some of history’s greatest expeditions. Join Lindblad Expeditions and take this same inspired and adventurous approach in exploring Europe’s winding Danube River, Egypt’s treasured Nile, the great lochs (lakes) of Scotland and the Columbia and Snake Rivers in the American West.

Autumn on the Danube Aboard River Cloud: Prague to Budapest and Budapest to Regensburg

12 Days/ 10 Nights
Departures: Sep.-Oct. 2008
Receive $1,000 off OR complimentary airfare select voyages.
Using the beautiful ship River Cloud as a base, take in the wonders of this historic region set in the most colorful of autumn landscapes. Accompanied by passionately caring Historians, venture into the fascinating cities of Prague, Budapest, and Vienna as well as smaller cities and towns like Regensburg, Germany; Dürnstein, Austria and Bratislava, Slovakia.

Click here to learn more about this itinerary.

Egypt: Exploring the Treasures of the Nile

10 Days/8 Nights or 15 Days/13 Nights
Departures: Oct.-Dec. 2008
Explore ancient and modern Egypt in the company of outstanding Egyptologist guides. Choose either the 10-day or  15-day journey, each featuring a Nile voyage aboard the 42-guest Triton, unquestionably one of the finest ships in Egypt. Stay in remarkable hotels too. Convenient private charter aircraft allow you to bypass airport crowds.

Click here to learn more about this itinerary.

Heart of the Highlands: An Exploration of Scotland

15 Days/ 12 Nights
Departures: May-Aug. 2008
Receive $500 off on select voyages.
Discover secluded villages, ancient sites, verdant landscapes and engaging people for an intimate perspective on Scottish life, past and present aboard the 48-guest luxury yacht, Lord of the Glens. Venture through lochs, glens and stately castles of Scotland’s Highlands and islands of the Inner Hebrides, a region of thriving seabird colonies, dramatic cliffs and glorious vistas.

Click here to learn more about this itinerary.

In the Wake of Lewis and Clark

7 Days/ 6 Nights
Departures: Sep.-Nov. 2008
Receive 15% or 25% off select voyages.
In the company of our knowledgeable Historians and Naturalists, watch the story of Lewis and Clark come alive as you are elevated more than 700 feet through a series of 8 locks to navigate the rivers. Venture all the way inland from the Pacific Ocean and the temperate rain forest of the western slopes of the Cascade Mountains, to the high desert country of eastern Washington.

Click here to learn more about this itinerary.

 

About Lindblad Expeditions
Lindblad Expeditions is a pioneering expedition travel company providing voyages in Galápagos, Antarctica, Baja
California, Alaska, the Arctic, and beyond. The company works in partnership with the National Geographic Society to
inspire people to explore and care about the planet by providing innovative marine expedition programs and by
promoting conservation and sustainable tourism around the world.

 

 

Source: Lindblad Expeditions 

Shed some stress this spring at Willow Stream and Fairmont Spas around the world.  Like spring break for the sophisticated traveler, spa season is a value spa vacation at select spas for the months of April and May 2008. 

 
With a two night minimum stay, an upgrade is guaranteed. Spa season packages also include spa robes and slippers to use during your stay, as well as products from Kerstin Florian International, a $25 Willow Stream or Fairmont Spa credit per person, a personal letter from the spa director, and a spa brochure and coordinator to help you choose your experiences and book appointments.
 

US

 
Willow Stream Spa at The Fairmont Newport Beach in Orange County, California marks the completion of a $32 million dollar hotel makeover. Room rates at $179 per night. Enjoy experiences like The Crystal Clear Experience and The Generosity Massage.
 
 
One of the only luxury spa resorts in the country with its own source of thermal mineral water, The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa room rates begin at $349 per night.
 
Located in the heart of the sun, The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess starts at $399 per night.  With two 18 hole golf courses and a Willow Stream Spa this spa is ranked one of the best spas in North America by Conde Nast Traveler.

Rates at The Fairmont Turnberry Isle Resort and Club start at $399.  This Mediterranean style resort, located in South Florida, just completed a $100 million transformation with two new golf courses and a renovated 35,000 square foot Willow Stream Spa.

Indulge at The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii. This ‘spa without walls’ offers waterfall massage hale (huts) and oceanfront massage cabanas.  Rates begin at $419.  
 

CANADA

 
Awarded by international travel magazines and readers, rates at The Fairmont Banff Springs in Alberta, Canada begin at $249 CAD.  Authentic and locally-inspired spa experiences include a revitalizing 60 or 90 minute Alpine Aromatherapy Massage.
 
 
Located on Victoria’s Inner Harbor, The Fairmont Empress in British Columbia rates begin at $199 CAD. Authentic spa experiences include: 90 minute Evergreen Coast Infusion.
 
Spa season rates at Fairmont Le Château Montebello, Quebec, begin at $169 CAD. Ideal for an adventurous escape, this spa blends the romantic—fireside massages in the couple’s suite with the great outdoors.
 

MEXICO

 
At Willow Stream Spa at The Fairmont Acapulco Princess in Acapulco, luxury meets the vibrant energy of the Aztecs. Rates begin at $260 USD.  Locally-inspired experiences include The Latin Latte and the Balance Barro Body.
 
 
Fairmont Mayakoba and its Willow Stream Spa, on the Riviera Maya near Cancun, topped Travel & Leisure’s June “It” List as one of the year’s best authentic destinations.   Rates start at $299 USD.  Spa experiences include: Food of the Gods, which features Mayan chocolate “cacao.”
 

EUROPE

 
The Fairmont Saint Andrews, Scotland is the perfect destination for those who love to golf and spa. On top a summit of a spectacular formation, the hotel and its two  golf courses have panoramic views of the Eden estuary. Rates start at $389 USD.
 
Willow Stream Spa at Fairmont Le Montreux Palace is situated on the shores of Lake Geneva, Switzerland, overlooking the Alps.  Rates at the award-winning Fairmont Le Montreux Palace begin at $475 USD.
 
 
MIDDLE EAST AND ASIA
 
Willow Stream Spa at The Fairmont Dubai in the United Arab Emirates is set within rolling sand dunes and gorgeous beaches. Rates start at $349 USD.  The spa has two rooftop swimming pools with views of the city skyline.
 
Rates at the award-winning Fairmont Singapore begin at $285USD. Unique experiences include the Shirodhara inspired Peace & Quiet spa experienceor Willow Stream Elements based on European Spa Kur rituals.
 

For reservations call Fairmont Hotels & Resorts at 1.888.760.2929 or visit www.fairmont.com/promo/spaseason for participating spas.

 

EXCLUSIVE CASA COLONIAL BEACH & SPA GIVES GUESTS CASH BACK MAY THROUGH JUNE 2008
—Luxury five-star resort offers couples complimentary daily breakfast, a botanical bath and air credit – a $340 value -
 

During the months of May and June 2008, guests who book a four-night stay at Casa Colonial Beach & Spa, nestled on the golden-sand beaches of Puerto Plata on the Dominican Republic’s north coast, will receive complimentary daily breakfast, a botanical bath per person and a $100 air credit, valued at $340.

 

In May and June, with the high-season crowds dispersed, Casa Colonial Beach & Spa is an ideal beachfront respite for those looking to experience affordable luxury with rates for a Junior Suite, per room based on double occupancy starting at $286.  Further with direct airfare from major US cities such as New York JFK, Newark, Miami and Atlanta, Puerto Plata offers a hassle-free weekend escape.

Guests booking a four-night stay will enjoy a complimentary daily breakfast served in the hotel’s Veranda restaurant featuring indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the glittering ocean.  Each guest will also enjoy a therapeutic and rejuvenating botanical bath per person in the renowned Bagua Spa.  The 25 minute treatment will soak away any stress and guests will emerge relaxed and re-energized.  Additionally a $100 air credit will be added per room.

Located on the glimmering beaches of the north coast, Casa Colonial Beach & Spa is a member of the prestigious Virtuoso Hotel’s & Resorts Program and was recently awarded the AAA Four Diamond honor for both the hotel and its gourmet restaurant Lucia.  The property was also the first member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World in the Dominican Republic.
  Designed by renowned architect and owner/operator, Sarah Garcia, Casa Colonial Beach & Spa was fashioned as a home or “casa” and exudes classic Dominican plantation estate allure.  The Spanish colonial-inspired lobby features high ceilings, limestone floors, elegant furnishings in rich woods and sheer cotton draperies.  The resort’s 50 spacious guestrooms and suites include private terraces with views of the ocean or the property’s tropical gardens, some with large outdoor soaking tubs.  Each guestroom is exquisitely decorated with mahogany furniture, custom-designed Caribbean furnishings, original paintings reflecting Dominican architecture, comfortable seating areas, flat screen televisions, Italian marble baths, fine linens and double Presidential Suite Soft mattresses specially created for the resort by Serta offering the “best sleep in the Caribbean.”  

In addition to the impeccable design and décor, the hotel features two dining venues and bar, including upscale Lucia Restaurant, the state-of-the-art Bagua Spa featuring indigenous treatments, fitness center, room service, meeting room, wedding pavilion and private transfer to the 18-hole Robert Trent Jones Sr. golf course.  Guests can enjoy stunning views of the ocean from the extraordinary third floor rooftop Infinity pool, featuring four Jacuzzi pools and a teak deck with chaise lounges and bar.

This offer might not be valid in peak season periods, please check with the availability with the reservations office. For reservations or more information about Casa Colonial Beach and Spa call (809) 320-3232 or visit www.casacolonialhotel.com.

 
Source: Trica Jean-Baptiste Communications, LLC

Spring has sprung! Buenaventura Grand Hotel & Spa in Puerto Vallarta is making a Mexico vacation escape easy with the introduction of their spring package. The newly renovated Buenaventura Grand Hotel & Spa, located just steps from lively downtown Puerto Vallarta, debuts its new spring packages with an enticing 35% savings.

 
The Spring All-inclusive Package is priced at $128.00 USD per person, per night (based on double occupancy) and includes:
 

• 4-day/3-night accommodations in a Deluxe Room
• One 50 minute Swedish massage per person, per stay
• Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner served at Frutas and Flores buffet restaurant  or Rodisso Restaurant an a la carte Brazillian steakhouse.
• Unlimited international and domestic cocktails, beer and wine by the glass
• Mini bar with soft drinks, bottled water and beer (replenished daily)

 
The Spring European Plan Package is priced at $135.00 USD per room, per night (based on double occupancy) and includes:
 

• 4-day/3-night accommodations in a Deluxe Room
• One 50 minute Swedish Massage per person, per stay

 
The Spring All-inclusive Package is priced at $128.00 USD per room, per night, based on double occupancy including accommodations and is valid for travel now through June 30, 2008. The Spring European Package is priced at $135.00 USD per room, per night, based on double occupancy including accommodations and is valid for travel now through June 30, 2008. This offer only applies to direct bookings only and is non-refundable, subject to hotel availability, and may not be combined with any other offers.
 
Rates include special in room amenities, complimentary access to Spa Shakti facilities, daily scheduled activities, complimentary wireless Internet access throughout the hotel, access to business center and hospitality lounge, children’s activities program for ages 4-12 years old and 24-hour room service
 
For more information and reservations at Buenaventura Grand Hotel & Spa, call 1-888-859-9439 visit www.hotelbuenaventura.com.mx or email ventas@hotelesbuenaventura.com.mx.
 
About Buenaventura Grand Hotel & Spa
Located in the heart of Puerto Vallarta,  embraced by the Bay of Banderas and kissed by a serpentine stretch of gold-sand beach, Buenaventura Grand Hotel & Spa offers guests - singles, couples and families alike - a host of exciting activities and a charming ambiance of pure Mexican delight. Housing 236 newly remodeled spacious rooms and suites with panoramic ocean views, upgraded furniture and amenities as well as a wealth of fine dining options to whet any palate, the hotel attracts all travelers seeking a vibrant and unforgettable vacation. For spa enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in harmony, an idyllic sanctuary providing an array of invigorating and therapeutic treatments is found at the Shakti Spa. For more information visit www.hotelbuenaventura.com.mx.
 

Attention Budget Travelers: Sivory Punta, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic’s Luxuriuos All-Suite Resort And Spa Offers Summer Savings Of Up To 50% Savings On Rack Rates.

Looking for an off-season bargain? Summer rates at Sivory Punta Cana, Dominican Republic’s luxurious all-suite resort and spa, begin at $290 per room, per night now through the summer.  Rooms are all-suites, spacious and feature stocked wine-coolers, extravagant baths with oversized soaking tubs and decadent showers.    Daily complimentary breakfast is delivered to guestrooms.

Sivory Punta Cana opened December of 2005 as Punta Cana’s newest Five-Star luxury property situated on what is considered Punta Cana’s gold coast on its own private beach.  It features 55 guestrooms, all of which are suites many offering oceanfront views, private plunge pools, 2 meeting rooms accommodating up to 150, wellness center, full-service spa, 3 gourmet restaurants, reflecting pool and 2 casual dining bars, cigar bar, an extensive wine cellar featuring the finest vintages from around the world.

Services and amenities include butler service, pool and beach valet, parking valet, business center and Wi-Fi.  The four-diamond property is a proud member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and Private Entrance Collection.  For information and reservations contact us at reservations@sivorypuntacana.com, 809-333-0500 or www.sivorypuntacana.com.

Goway Travel’s Five-Day “Shipwreck Coast Explorer” Package With Rental Car and Charming Hotels, Just $824

 
 
Travelers in Australia owe it to themselves to drive Victoria’s Great Ocean Road, one of the world’s most magnificent scenic routes.  A breathtaking stretch of astonishing seascapes, landscapes and seaside towns, the road unfolds spectacular surf beaches, sophisticated resorts and quiet fishing villages.  It’s a trip back in nature and time, leading to colossal rock sculptures on the southern coast and whitewashed cottages of seafaring towns like Port Fairy.

It’s easy to do from cosmopolitan Melbourne in Goway Travel’s comfortable, well planned self-drive along the Great Southern Touring Route linking Victoria’s key destinations of Melbourne, the Great Ocean Road, the Grampians and Ballarat – all just three hours’ drive from each other.

Each journey along the Great Southern Touring Route naturally begins and ends in Melbourne - the arts, restaurant and sports capital of Australia.  Here, you can enjoy the latest exhibit at the National Gallery of Victoria, stroll through the Queen Victoria Market (the largest open air market in the southern hemisphere) and dine on authentic Aboriginal fare at Tjanabi in Federation Square, the architectural center of town.

Shipwreck Coast Explorer

Equipped with a mid-size Hertz rental car and a co-pilot kit (stocked with a detailed itinerary, daypack, and discount coupons for the road), head south on the Great Southern Touring Route towards Apollo Bay, with a full day ahead for a leisurely exploration of all the sights along the Route beginning in Werribee Park.  Meander through the 1870’s Mansion and Victoria State Rose Garden before discovering the Open Range Zoo, where exotic animals roam freely on 225 hectares of grasslands.

After a visit to Geelong’s historic waterfront, explore Torquay (Tor-KEY) and beyond, home to some of the nation’s best surf beaches including Bells Beach, where the Rip Curl Pro is held every March.  Have lunch in Lorne, a beautiful seaside town with a Mediterranean feel, before arriving in Apollo Bay on the edge of the Otway National Park.  This afternoon enjoy bushwalking, kayaking or learning how to surf before turning in for the night in a deluxe studio at Chris’s Beacon Point Villas, set high in the Otway Ranges overlooking the Bass Strait and the Great Ocean Road.
 

After a complimentary breakfast, journey west along the dramatic Great Ocean Road – also known as the Shipwreck Coast – for views of the Twelve Apostles (limestone formations rising from the ocean) and other landmarks including Loch Ard Gorge, the Arch and the London Bridge, all accessible from the road.  As the name suggests, more than 160 ships have met their fate along the rugged coastline, such as Marie Gabrielle (1869) and the Fiji (1891), whose anchors remain embedded at Wreck Beach.  Whale watch near Warrambool, the Shipwreck Coast’s only city, before spending the night in a queen suite at Hearns Cottage Suites in Port Fairy, a busy fishing port home to over 50 classified National Trust nineteenth-century buildings.

On day three head north from Port Fairy to the Grampians mountain range – famous for some of the most spectacular scenery in Australia.  En route visit Tower Hill Reserve, a haven for wildlife, a fascinating ecological site and a showcase for local indigenous culture in the crater of a dormant volcano.  Once in the Grampians National Park, ascend to the top of majestic MacKenzie Waterfalls for lookouts over the impressive mountain ranges, and explore native bushland full of regional flora and fauna.  More adventurous types can rock climb or abseil amongst the largest collection of Aboriginal rock art in Victoria.  Overnight in Cavendish’s Glenisla Homestead, a traditional style homestead built from colorful Grampians sandstone, where guests are welcome to lend a hand on the superfine wool farm of 5000 Merino sheep.

With bellies full from an Australian farm-style breakfast, the return east to Melbourne is an historical adventure via Ballarat.  Built with the wealth of the gold rush, much of the opulence of the era is still on display in the city’s grand public buildings, hotels and historic streetscapes.  Ballarat was the site of the world’s largest deposit of alluvial gold and is showcased in Sovereign Hill – a re-creation of life in the 1850’s where panning for gold or riding a horse-drawn carriage in a town of over 200 volunteers dressed in period costumes is the norm.  Perhaps the strongest draw to the area is the evening “Blood on the Southern Cross” light and sound show depicting the Eureka Rebellion of miners against government forces.  Spend the night in a studio at the modern Oscars Hotel Ballarat after the evening’s performance before the morning’s short drive back to Melbourne.

Per person prices for Goway Travel’s five-day “Shipwreck Coast Explorer” package start at US$824 per person (based on double occupancy) through March 31, 2009 and includes four nights accommodation, a co-pilot pack (detailed itinerary, backpack, discount coupons), five day mid-size automatic Hertz car rental, and a dinner and “Blood on the Southern Cross” show.

For more information or to book, visit Goway Travel website at www.goway.com or call toll-free (800)-387-8850.

For more information on the Great Southern Touring Route visit www.greatsoutherntouring.com.au.  For more information on Melbourne, visit Tourism Victoria’s website at www.visitmelbourne.com.   

 

 

Source: Spring O’Brien & Co.