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Art Festival Cruise to New Zealand

Fifty two painters, led by artists Greg Allen, Amanda Hyatt and John Lovett have now returned to Australia after a wonderful two weeks aboard the “Sun Princess” as it cruised to New Zealand.

The tour commenced in Sydney and in the two day trans Tasman crossing the painters settled down to work under the expert tuition and guidance of their selected artist.

Each day at sea began with a painting demo in the Shooting Stars Nightclub which the group had reserved especially for them on their days at sea. After their respective workshops, individual painters were free to continue their painting or, as many did, explore the ship or participate in many of the activities on board.

Day three and the “Sun Princess” had arrived at the Bay of Islands in the north island of New Zealand This was our first land based painting day. A quick trip by ferry to Russell and the three workshops then commenced with each artist selecting a location along the beautiful seashore of this historic town. After lunch the group then enjoyed a brief visit to Waitangi Treaty House before rejoining the ship once again. After all this painting and sightseeing, everyone had worked up quite an appetite for dinner which was admirably attended to in the Regency or Marquis dining rooms.

For the next seven days, the painting group visited towns and cities along the eastern seaboard, including Auckland – a wonderful painting location was selected by the artists at Devonport across the harbour affording magnificent views of the City of Sails, as Auckland is known – Tauranga and a visit to Wai O Tapu thermal wonderland at Rotorua and the art deco town of Napier. The capital of New Zealand, Wellington, completed our last city on the north island before we crossed the strait, which separates the north and south islands.

Our first port of call in the south island was idyllic Christchurch, where the groups set up their painting easels alongside the beautiful Avon River and its historic bridges. In the afternoon a couple of the groups continued their painting in Cathedral Square, the scene of much devastation with the terrible earthquake only a short few days after our visit. Our last port of call in the south island was Dunedin with its Scottish heritage. The day culminated in a visit to historic Olverston House which was widely acclaimed by all

After all of the excitement of painting and visiting in such wonderful surroundings many of the group certainly would have liked more painting time on land. However, these thoughts soon disappeared as the ship sailed through Fiordland in the south west corner of New Zealand. This magnificent scenery was made all the more brilliant under a bright blue sky.

During the next couple of days the group settled once more into their final on board painting workshops, buoyed by the critiques of their paintings by the artists and the wonderful displays of their favourite works of art, for all to see.

A highlight of this time was the group painting by Greg, Amanda and John as they painted a large three sheet painting of the “Sun Princess” as it toured Milford Sound. One of our group kindly donated this to the ship and this was gratefully accepted by the Captain – we hope that this work of art will be on display for all future travellers on the “Sun Princess” to see.

This was first painting workshop / cruise conducted in this part of the world by The International Artist Magazine and Travelrite International and was judged by all as being a great success – a great way to combine their love of painting under the watchful eye of internationally acclaimed artists whilst enjoying the sightseeing of our wonderful neighbouring country.

Look out for this, or a similar, cruise themed painting workshop being repeated again very soon. Please visit www.paintingworkshops.net for further information

G R Whitelock
March 2011

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Cultural Tour to Turkey and Egypt

I have just returned from a wonderful re-union of our cultural group that recently toured Abu Dhabi, Egypt and Turkey. We enjoyed a feast of authentic middle-eastern food with an extensive range of local sweets including Peach Melba and Apricot Nectar Cheesecake complete with ample supplies of merlot, chardonnay, beer and soft drinks. It was wonderful to re-live our experiences through seeing our photos displayed on a large screen at the home of Rob & Julie.

Perhaps the most pleasing aspect of the tour was that it ran like a smoothly oiled machine. The transfers were always on time, in fact usually early and our guides had a great sense of humour and were a constant source of fascinating cultural and general information. They always advised us that they were at our disposal 24 hours a day and true to their word they were. No request was too much trouble – their service was outstanding.

It is always interesting to discuss the tour after you have had time to reflect. Whilst we had numerous truly remarkable experiences, one of the most unique was visiting an “average middle class” Egyptian extended family in their home and discussing their life in Cairo. Looking back, this proved to be a unique and poignant experience given the recent upheaval in the Middle-East. For a group of 26 tourists to be so warmly welcomed into a private home and generously given a lovely afternoon tea was a most humbling experience.

Our trip on the Nile Premium down the Nile River from Luxor to Aswan enabled us to experience true luxury and style. It was the most exquisite combination of educationally fascinating site visits coupled with relaxation and fun. Our evening pre- dinner drinks under the brilliant sunsets were, to say the least, utterly memorable. Visits to the Great Sphinx, Pyramids and the Egyptian Museum where we saw the Tutankhamun Galleries provided a fascinating and informative Egyptian experience.

To a man and woman we were stunned by the Museum Hotel in Cappadocia. It is indeed unusual to be so impressed by a hotel, but this one proved to be so surprising that the group arranged room visits to experience the diversity of luxury, style and unique opulence. Valley views from alabaster spas, wine dispensers in walls, rooms containing three cascading tiers culminating in a large studio with a central fish pond and a series of massive windows enabling viewing of the valley and its “fairy chimneys”, glass sections in floors revealing classical art objects – it was really difficult to leave!

A regularly heard comment was “I just didn’t think that the tour could improve on yesterday but this is amazing – it just keeps getting better and better”. The hot air balloon ride over the Cappadocian valley ensured that our cameras received a thorough work-out.

The tour provided some unexpected cultural gems. In Abu Dhabi we visited the Falcon Hospital and were educated into the importance of the falcon in UAE culture. It was fascinating to realize that falcons require a passport, the same as ours, to travel overseas.

In Istanbul, visits to the Spice Bazaar and Grand Bazaar, where we were plied with a never ending supply of food samples were a sensual feast. The extraordinary underground Yerebatan Cistern was impressive and visually powerful. We received the most wonderful and informative education on Turkish history with visits to the Haiga Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome and Topkapi Palace. The leisurely ferry ride up the Bosphorous provided a most informative and relaxing day. Our time in Istanbul concluded with a spectacular New Years Eve Ball where we consumed never-ending Turkish dishes and viewed an array of entertainment including belly dancers and singers.

Our guide brought history into sharp focus when we visited Anzac Cove, the Lone Pine Cemetery and Chunuk Bair – Gallipoli is a very emotional and moving experience.

Our re-union finished with the group wanting information on the “next one”.

For more details on the next Cultural tour to Croatia and Italy please select http://www.travelrite.com.au/cultural_pr.shtml

Peter Rowe

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Highlights of South America

Karen Walkley recently returned to Travelrite Groups Department after an extended leave. During this time, Karen travelled to South America where she visited Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands, Peru and Santiago in Chile.
Prior to a four day cruise of the Galapagos Islands, Karen experienced the magnificent birdlife of the cloud forest only 1 & ½ hours out of Quito, Ecuador. Here live the smallest hummingbirds in the world who can flap their wings 135 times per second!
The Galapagos was a wildlife experience in itself where she discovered the marine iguanas, blue footed boobies (the funny marine bird with bright blue feet) and let’s not forget the giant tortoises who can live for hundreds of years. Karen was also luck enough to snorkel with sea turtles, sea lions and reef sharks.
Next was a magnificent personalised tour of Peru arranged by South American Tourism. There were visits to many Inca ruins, including the famous Machu Picchu and magnificent experiences in the Amazonian rain forest where she stayed in an Eco Lodge in the jungle. Karen has told us of a very special visit to a small Andean village where she helped dig weeds in the fields and learnt to spin wool by hand along with eating locally grown and prepared food. Another unique place to visit was the floating islands of Uros on Lake Titicacca where absolutely everything is made of reeds.
A number of these fantastic adventures can be experienced on Travelrite’s own “Highlights of South America” fully escorted tour on the 17th of March 2011. Contact our office for a copy of the brochure.

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Magnificent Tour to the Ancient Wonders of Egypt, Jordan and Syria.

Jean Unger, Tour Manager on the Voyages of Antiquity Cruise, just returned from a magnificent trip to the Ancient Wonders of Egypt, Jordan and Syria. It was everything and more that we had imagined it would be.
We embarked on a cruise aboard the Aegean Odyssey from ancient Alexandria through the Suez Canal to the Red Sea Ports. We Visited the Great Pyramids of Giza and the treasures of the Cairo Museum. We also visited the Monastery of St Anthony, the town of Luxor incorporating the Valley of The Kings and Karnak Temples. At St Catherine’s Monastery at Mt Sinai we saw beautiful icons on display, along with the remnants of Moses’ burning bush.
The sunset rise through Wadi Rum in 4-wheel-drive jeeps, driven by Bedouins, was great fun. This was followed by a memorable day in the hidden jewel, Petra, which was certainly a highlight, and then on to the ruins of Jerash and Old Amman.
Some of the group went on to Syria, where we stayed in the old town of Damascus, in a Palace that had been converted to a hotel. Some of the highlights were the visit to Krak des Chevaliers, along with the ancient citadel at Aleppo and the pole-sitting St Symeon’s Monastery. Our adventure continued on to Palmyra where we stayed in an hotel amongst the ruins of Palmyra . Here we experienced a Bedouin dinner and entertainment in a traditional tent.
On our return to Damascus we had a final dinner that included a belly dancer and a twirling/swirling dervish.
If you are interested in tours or cruises to Egypt, Jordan or Syria please email us or give us a call.

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Mekong River Cruise, an excitingly different holiday

Amanda Sloan, tour manager on the Mekong River Cruise, has filed the below report.

We have just returned from the most wonderful tour through Vietnam and Cambodia including a cruise on the “MV Mekong Pandaw” along the Mighty Mekong Delta.

We started our tour in Saigon with 2 nights at the luxurious Sofitel and then boarded the MV Mekong Pandaw for a relaxing 7 night cruise. The staff looked after everyone so well, the food was wonderful offering everyone the chance to try the local cuisine. To be able to sit on the top deck with a gin and tonic in hand, watching life on the Mekong was the perfect way to travel.

On the Mekong Delta we saw smiling Vietnamese farm workers wearing cone-shaped hats and working in the rice paddies. Often their homes are right on the edge of the river. The Mekong deposits enough nutrients in the Delta to make its name as “the rice-bowl of Vietnam”. Gently undulating rice slopes stretch as far as the eye can see, an amazing agricultural scene. Local villagers work the fields by hand, and wave as you pass. One of the best features of this tour is that it is not overrun with tourists, which enables you to soak up and enjoy the atmosphere.

Shore excursions on The Pandaw included all our sightseeing tours visiting so many towns and villages along the Mekong. When you arrive at the villages the children are so delighted to see you and are always keen to practice their English with you. They love to follow you around and show you their village. One of the visits was to an orphanage in Cambodia where you have the opportunity to meet the children and see the wonderful programs they have including a great arts program. You are able to purchase their work, of course the children are keen to proudly show you which is “their painting”. Three of the staff on the Pandaw have come from the orphanage.

We visited Phnom Penh and had a cyclo tour (someone else does the peddling) around the town visiting the museum and the Palace. The tours also included a visit to a local school and we spoke to the children in their English class as they were so keen to learn. After 7 days of luxury we were transferred to Siem Reap to the magnificent Le Meridien hotel that is set in the most beautiful grounds with an amazing pool that you would normally dream about. We then spent the next two days visiting the temples at Angkor. For hundreds of years these temples lay forgotten, and in many places were reclaimed by the surrounding forest. It was only in the 1800s that French naturalist, Henri Mouhot, brought them to the world’s attention. Angkor Wat was obviously a highlight and should be on everyone’s must do list. The Cambodians have to be the nicest and friendliest race of people in the world.

This is one of the remaining unspoiled accessible travel destinations. The friendly welcome received from the villagers along the Mekong, the leisurely pace, the close look at their culture all make for an excitingly different holiday.

To see details of the latest Travelrite Mekong River Cruises departing in 2011 see the details here.

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An amazing time on the Quilting and Patchwork Tour to America

I have just returned from the Quilters Companion tour to the USA with Michelle Marvig. What an amazing time we had sightseeing, shopping and forming lasting friendships.
We had many highlights throughout the tour including the International Quilt Study Centre in Lincoln , Nebraska with a special behind the scenes tour including showings of many antique quilts from the 1800’s, the American Textile History Museum in Lowell seeing many aspects of the textile industry along with a special exhibit of Mrs Betsy Bloomingdale’s collection of designer couture including Oscar de la Rente, Dior, Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent and many more fine designers, The New England Quilt Museum in Lowell with a stunning collection of Blue and White quilts from 1820 through 1880’s, The Shelbourne Museum in Vermont to see the fantastic collection of Quilts and historic houses throughout the complex and The Fine Arts Institute of Chicago were we viewed many famous Impressionists paintings by Monet, Renior, Van Gogh along with a large collection of American Art and textiles.

We also enjoyed our very special visits to local quilt shops including 3 in the Chicago area -The Quilt Basket located in Downers Grove, Pieceful Heart Fabrics in Lisle and an unexpected visit to Quiltfabric.com with a special thankyou to owner Chris for opening her store specially for our group visit, along with 2 stores near Burlington Vermont being Sew Many Treasures and Strawberry and Rhubarb, Norton House in Wilmington, the famous Keepsake Quilting store located in Centre Harbour, New Hampshire, The Cambridge Quilt shop near Harvard University Boston and our last shop near Houston Airport Its a Stitch in Humble. With the Aussie dolllar being nearly on par with US dollar majority of the group took advantage of this and shopped until our suitcases were so full we could no longer fit another item in!!
I also must mention the beautiful countryside of the New England area we travelled through was just breathtaking and stunningly beautiful. The colours of the trees – reds, oranges, yellows and browns were amazing.
We were very excited to arrive into Houston for the International Quilt Festival held at the George R. Brown convention centre. We are lucky enough to stay within walking distance of the convention centre.Our hotel also offered a shuttle service for those of us who were weary after long days shopping and attending workshops throughout Festival. Congratulations to Adelaide’s Rachelle Denneny for her winning Quilt entry. Good to see so many Australians attending and having Quilts on display at Houston. The American people we found very friendly and helpful which really made our tour very enjoyable.

Article written by Michelle Maher

If you are interested in more information on our Quilting and Patchwork tours please contact Travelrite on 1800 630 343 or see the latest Tours departing to the USA and Japan – details here.

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The Best Train Trip in the World – the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express

Sandra and I had the great pleasure to manage a Travelrite International tour on the British owned Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express in August 2010. We departed from Vladivostok in far-eastern Russia and travelled almost 12,000km via Mongolia to Moscow on what must be the most exotic and comfortable train in the world, the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express.

Every day for fourteen days we travelled north and then west discovering what Siberia is all about: great areas of lonely plains intersected by grand fast flowing rivers, surprisingly elegant and impressive cities that we had previously heard little about, vast areas of efficient agriculture, mining ventures and many small towns and villages that have lost the battle to be viable.

For most of the trip the Golden Eagle travels by night and arrives in a new town or city each morning. After breakfast we met up with local guides and enjoyed a full day of local sightseeing. Sometimes we enjoyed lunch or dinner arranged by the locals or dined in good local restaurants. Often the locals had arranged folk or classical concerts in interesting locations – the local hall or an old historic home.

Cities such as Khabarovsk, Irkutsk, Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg and Kazan were all a surprise. Although they lacked the wealth of European and Australian cities, they were all elegant, prosperous and inviting places with impressive town squares and gardens, fine buildings, atmospheric cafes and restaurants, good museums and public buildings and very welcoming people. Our trip around and across Lake Baikal, the largest fresh water lake in the world, was a highlight.

Our 13 carriage train carried just 62 passengers in great comfort. Over the two weeks we saw so much and had such a good time. The gold class cabins were spacious: each couple had a double bed, plus a fold down bunk, a sitting area and a bathroom with a full sized shower and toilet. The 24 hour service was great, meals in the impressive restaurant car were superb, with many local dished being offered, and the club car provided an ideal location for a relaxing drink or a chat with other tour members.

The trip ended in Moscow where our group stayed for a few days to see the sights. This grand capital becomes more impressive and enjoyable each time we visit, and makes you want to keep coming back. Travelrite International will be running another tour on the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express in August 2011.

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Business Class only flights from London to New York

After Neville and I visited Southampton for the launch of Queen Elizabeth we flew from London City airport on flight number BA1 Business Class only flights to New York. It is a smaller plane seating only 32 business class seats. The flight lands in Shannon Airport, where you go through all of the USA immigration check in, then back on the flight. This takes only half an hour, then on to the USA, landing at the domestic terminal, so you can walk straight out. Great to keep in mind if you are travelling around the world. We enjoyed four days in New York, where we visited the renovated MOMA and Metropolitan art galleries. They have wonderful collections of modern and older paintings. We travelled on the local bus to the very north of Manhattan Island to visit the Cloisters, which comprises building and art works from the middle ages. We took the No. 7 trains to Queens to visit Louis Armstrong’s house, which is now a museum. Very interesting to see home decoration from the 50ies. We were very struck by the high police presence on every street. We hadn’t been to New York for ten years and found the city very clean and prosperous. We also visited ground zero that was once the World Trade Centre and travelled around the whole of Manhattan to see the spectacular skyline of the city on the circular cruise.