Sure Etnique Travel Newsletter

Imagine walking down a street in a town where time seems to have stopped centuries ago. The unevenly surface of the cobblestones forced you to focus on the ground; but then, when you reached the next corner of this maze of curved streets, you looked left and right only to see the amazing décor of mural paintings on each building …

Imagine you are in the Bavarian Alpine region, with pictorial villages nestled in an evergreen valley just north of the Ammergau Mountains.

From the summit of the Zugspitze you look down on the landscape below. The broken cloud blanket opens up, unveiling a mosaic of many paddocks, cultivated fields, scattered farm steads and meandering rural roads. And in a distance, you can gaze onto four countries stretching out in four wind directions: to the south Italy, the east Austria, the west Switzerland and the north Germany.

Imagine you are fortunate enough to have a preview of a unique religious event being staged only every ten years since 1634 - some twenty years prior Jan van Riebeeck set foot on African soil! We visited this region recently to finalise unique tailor-made packages of the Passion Play for our customers.

After leaving Garmish Partenkirche, you will first pass through Ettal, set in a scenic Alpine valley. The huge dark green dome of the baroque basilica of the Benedictine abbey dominates this little village scene. Today’s monastery still has about 55 enterprising monks, who manage a boarding school, a publishing business, a hotel restaurant, a brewery and a distillery churning out the famous Ettaler Klosterlikör, a sweet herbal digestive.

Once you leave Ettal, you drive passed green pastures with patches of brightly-coloured yellow-gold sunflowers, before reaching the multi-coloured tiled roofs, mostly residential, on the foot hills of Kofel Mountain backdrop. Oberammergau has some 5500 residents. Most of them are well-known artists and colourful descendants for generations, forming part of and contributing towards the history of their famous Bavarian village. One can also sense the presence of true family values: laughing young children on bicycles, residents nurturing small flower gardens, families coming together.

The Passion Play, in which only past and present residents are allowed to partake, originated from the affliction caused by the 30-year War, when the plague of the Black Death took a toll of almost 20 percent of the inhabitants. The villagers vowed that, if the pestilence were taken from them, they would perform the Passion Play every ten years. This year the first performance will take play on 15 May running through until the 3^rd of October.

Each time, some 18 months prior to the 4 months series of repeating performances, the leading and supporting roles are awarded and the participants started to grow their hair and beards.

As a visitor to their village, you sense the warmth and friendliness of the people. Whether a waiter, a bank cashier, a shop owner or a tour guide, they are all true ambassadors of their heritage.

Oberammergau is not only renowned for its performance once every decade, but is a true mecca for art lovers. The Skulpturenweg – sculpture path – comprises of a series of sculptures, set all around Oberammergau and neighbouring towns, by local artists who already have established themselves in the world of art. But it all starts with the children: fences brightly decorated with children art.

A striking example is Reflexionen by Katherina Häbler, comprising of three concrete figures, set in cobblestones within a water pond, reflecting different moods in different seasons. Next to the entrance to the Museum, you will find Mädchen, a sculpture by Jenny Eichler focusing on puberty in a young girl.

During a previous visit to Oberammergau, the studio of Hermann Schilcher was closed. However, we were rewarded by meeting him in person during our recent visit.

Although the door was locked, I still pressed the obscure door bell, almost concealed behind the autumn coloured leaves of a wall creeper. I heard the shuffle of feet, slowly making their way to the door. A piece of woodcarving art, fitted to huge old hinges, opened slowly.

Ash-grey beard, soft and friendly deep-blue eyes and an inviting smile: Guten Tag! Kommen sie herein! Hermann, aged 75, invited us into his small one-room studio, located in St Lukasstrasse on the outskirts of the village. And for the next hour we just sat and listened to the many stories of his life and the inspiration that motivated each piece of art.

Throughout the many villages of this region you’ll come across time-worn houses with facades swathed in frescoes called Lüftlmalerei. The term literally means air painting, but is actually derived from a house in Oberammergau called Zum Lüftl, originally owned by Franz Zwinck, who pioneered the practice. Images usually have a localised, religious theme, but some would also depict the profession of the house owner.

For the period of the performances during May until October, all available accommodation in the many hotels in Oberammergau and adjoining villages have been set aside exclusively for travellers wishing to attend the Passion Play. Every possible room available at private residences has also been reserved.

Therefore no seat to attend the performance will be made available by the organisers, without buying either a one-night or two-night package. Although all our pre-bought packages have been sold out, it might still be possible to enquire on travellers behalf for availability on certain dates.

The Oberammergau experience has been more than just visiting yet another German village. You will find everything within the the maze of curved narrow cobblestone streets: the ambience of the setting, the wealth of an interesting history, the hospitality of their wine bars and restaurants and the warmth of the people …

- Johann and Monique

SOCCER WORLD CUP 2010 MAURITIUS SPECIALS
VALID FOR TRAVEL FROM 11 JUNE TO 03 JULY 2010 ON SET DEPARTURE DATES (15 JUNE IS EXCLUDED)

Le Mauricia **** Half Board - 7 Nights from R13 349 ex Johannesburg
Le Mauricia **** Fully Inclusive - 7 Nights from R14 866 ex Johannesburg
Le Canonnier **** Half Board - 7 Nights from R13 548 ex Johannesburg
Le Canonnier **** Fully Inclusive - 7 Nights from R15 065 ex Johannesburg
Le Victoria **** Half Board - 7 Nights from R13 943 ex Johannesburg
Le Victoria **** Fully Inclusive - 7 Nights from R16 216 ex Johannesburg
Shandrani ***** Fully Inclusive - 7 Nights from R19 896 ex Johannesburg
Paradis ***** Half Board - 7 Nights from R19 707 ex Johannesburg
Dinarobin ***** Half Board - 7 Nights from R21 300 ex Johannesburg
Royal Palm ***** Half Board - 7 Nights from R28 260 ex Johannesburg

Rates are pp sharing and includes:

Return direct Air Mauritius set departure flights ex Johannesburg
Return transfers (private transfers for Paradis, Dinarobin, Royal Palm)
Breakfast and dinner daily for all hotels in the “Half Board Package”
Rates in the “Fully Inclusive Package include the applicable food & beverage package
Free land & water sports
Airport Taxes

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MADAGASCAR - NOSY BE - SAKATIA LODGE 3* DBB

11 Nights
Excursion to Nosy Tanikely
Introduction to Scuba Diving
All transfers airport hotel airport
International and domestic flights ex Johannesburg
Travel Insurance
Price per person sharing from Bungalow Ocean R17 105
Early bird discount R1 950 pp
Price per person sharing from Bungalow Naturee R15 038
Early bird discount R1 640 pp

MADAGASCAR - NOSY BE - ROYAL BEACH 4* DBB

Accommodation Standard Room
All transfers airport hotel airport
International and domestic flights ex Johannesburg
Travel Insurance
Price per person sharing 7 nights 8 days from R14 075
Early bird discount R560 pp
Price per person sharing 11 nights 12 days from R18 940
Early bird discount R1 585 pp
Price per person sharing 14 nights 15 days from R22 610
Early bird discount R2 910 pp

The above prices are subject to rates of exchange variations, flight and hotel availability in applicable fare class. Excludes Visa (cost to be advised) and bed taxes approx Euro 1 - 2 pp per day. Includes Airport Taxes.

SEYCHELLES

Reve Citronelle (Luxury 2 bedroom apartment)
6 Nights self-catering (based on 4 adults sharing) R6 633 pp sharing
Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay
6 Nights breakfast daily R7 438 pp sharing
Hotel Coco de Mer
6 Nights dinner & breakfast daily R12 100 pp sharing
Paradise Sun
6 Nights dinner & breakfast daily R11 330 pp sharing
Ephelia Resort of Seychelles
6 Nights dinner & breakfast daily R11 450

Prices are valid for travel commencing from 15 January & returning by 26 March 2010 only.
NB: BOOKINGS MUST BE BOOKED & PAID FOR BEFORE 29 JAN 2010

Prices include: SA, Seychelles & Air Seychelles taxes & levies etc, economy class airfares ex Jnb to Seychelles, return airport/hotel transfers, island air transfers where necessary, accommodation & meals as noted

SCANDINAVIA & RUSSIA

Royal Carribbean Cruise
12 Nights Europe North on Jewels of the Sea
Departure Dates : 19 May 2010 & 11 August 2010
Departs and ends Harwich, England
Visiting Copenhagen (Denmark), Stockholm (Sweden), Helsinki (Finland), St Petersburg (Russia), Tallinn (Estonia), Gothenburg (Sweden), CAT I Large Ocean View Stateroom from R12 700 per person sharing

Price Includes:

12 Night cruise onboard Royal Caribbean’s Jewel of the Seas
Shipboard accommodations
Ocean transportation
Most meals
Some beverages
Most entertainment aboard the vessel

Price Excludes:

Air transportation
Transfers
Shore excursions
Specialty restaurant fees
Some beverages
Photographs
Gratuities/service fees
Medical services
Visas
Travel insurance
Items of a personal nature

RUSSIAN RIVER CRUISING - PETER THE FIRST

Over the years cruising the Russian waterways has established itself as one of the most popular ways to see Russia. Not only do you get introduced to the opulent beauty of palaces and cathedrals in Moscow and St Petersburg, you also get to experience some of the monasteries, churches and museums of rural Russia in between!

Welcome aboard Peter the First cruise vessel. With only 53 cabins accommodating up to 130 passengers, this vessel will offer you the most unique cruise on the Russian market. Whereas most Moscow to St Petersburg cruise vessels have modest twin bed cabins and en-suite facilities, Peter the First is equipped with a spacious range of cabins with twin, double and queen size beds, a mahogany finish within the cabins and en-suite bathrooms with a separate shower cubicle.

All of the cabins have large picture windows and a radio and there are a handful of cabins on the boat deck which have private balconies. The vessel also boasts a lift to all floors within the cruise vessel which is very unusual for Russian River vessels.

Be prepared for a jovial reception onto the ship with a welcome cocktail and a heartfelt goodbye with a special Captain’s Farewell Dinner.

Depart ST PETERSBURG (10nts)	Std TWN pps from	Dlx TWN balcony pps from	Std SGL from	Std TWN for sole use	Dlx TWN balcony sole use
Cruise only*	R 17 370	R 20 400	R 20 605	R 23 855	R 27 095

Depart MOSCOW (11nts)	Std TWN pps from	Dlx TWN balcony pps from	Std SGL from	Std TWN for sole use	Dlx TWN balcony sole use
Cruise only*	R 18 670	R 22 950	R 22 230	R 25 795	R 29 370

DEPARTURE DATES 2010:

St Petersburg to Moscow (10 nts): 25 May, 15 June, 06&27 Jul, 17 Aug, 07 Sep.
Moscow to St Petersburg (11 nts): 14 May, 04&25 June, 16 Jul, 06&27 Aug.

INCLUDES:

Arrival and departure airport transfers
Accommodation in a twin/double/Queen berth cabin with private en-suite facilities
Full board each day (from evening dinner on day 1 to breakfast on last day)
All shore excursions as outlined in the itinerary
Welcome Cocktail and Captain’s Farewell Dinner
Services of English speaking guides
Port taxes
Russian visa support documentation

EXCLUDES:

All flights and transport not mentioned above

Russian visa
Holiday insurance
All items of a personal nature
Drinks
Porterage
Optional excursions
Gratuities

* FLIGHT OPTIONS: we can offer you

Airfares ex South Africa through to Russia
Airfares to London to connect you with the flights offered in the package
A London mini-stay with airfare ex SA to supplement the package on offer above

AMAZING ASTON BALI 4**** - ROMANTIC ESCAPE

Aston Bali Resort & Spa, located on one of the most stunning private beaches on the island is set in beautifully landscaped exotic gardens overlooking the sea. Discerning travellers who seek a carefree escape can enjoy a unique and relaxing natural
experience in a heavenly setting.

Deluxe room

Validity	EX JNB	EX CPT	EX DUR
16/01/10-31/03/10	R11 370 pps	R13 380 pps	R12 940 pps

Deluxe Oceanview room

Validity	EX JNB	EX CPT	EX DUR
16/01/10-31/03/10	R11 690 pps	R13 700 pps	R13 260 pps

Package Includes:

Return flights on Cathay Pacific
Airport taxes
Return Seat in coach transfers airport/hotel/airport
7 nights hotel accommodation at the Aston Bali
One romantic dinner
One 50 minute massage per person
based on two people sharing

Airfare notes and Add-on Fares:

Flights: Cathay Pacific (CX) JOHANNESBURG/HONG KONG/DENPASAR/HONG KONG/ JOHANNESBURG
Booking class: CX - S Class
Code-share flights are not permitted.
Routing: JNB/HKG/DPS /HKG/JNB
25% + VAT cancellation before departure. NO REFUND AFTER DEPARTURE
Re booking - R500.00 change fee applies
Booking classes in internal flights within South Africa

LONDON & PARIS SPARKLING COMBO

Theatre, museums, art, style, shopping, fashion, fine dining….this is the perfect combination of London and Paris!

Enjoy 6 brilliant nights in these two world cities with the excitement of the Eurostar transporting you between the two.

VALIDITY	TWN pps from	SGL pp from
25 Jan-07 Feb	R 5990	R 8515
08-11 Feb	R 6770	R 9805
12-28 Feb	R 5990	R 8515
01-31 March	R 6250	R 8770

PACKAGE INCLUDES:

3 nights accommodation in London at the 3* Berjaya Eden Park Hotel in London
Continental breakfast daily
One-way shuttle transfer from LHR Airport to Hotel
Standard class one-way Eurostar train ticket from London to Paris
3 nights accommodation in Paris at the 3* Eiffel Capitol Hotel in Paris
Continental breakfast daily
One-way shuttle transfer from the hotel to CDG Airport

PACKAGE EXCLUDES:

Airfares
Insurance
Items of a personal nature
Visas
Transport between hotels and train stations (public transport/taxi’s are cheaper option)

IMPORTANT NOTES:

*All the rates are per person for the full package.

*The rates are subject to change due to availability and currency fluctuations

*Eurostar tickets - restricted rules apply:

Price is subject to availability. These discounted rates might not be available for travel over peak times when trains are very full.
Cancellation fees apply once tickets are booked

*Please contact us for travel cards, hop-on hop-off bus sightseeing tours as well as optional day tours in both cities

MAGICAL AND MYSTERIOUS PERU

Lima - Cusco - Machu Picchu

8 days - 7 nights (valid Dec 2009 to Dec 2010)

Land Only

Wander around colonial cities that echo the legacy of Spanish conquistadors, explore the ancient Inca capital of Cuzco and visit the lost city of Machu Picchu

Package include:

01 night at selected hotel in Sao Paulo Guarulhos, with breakfast.
2 nights at selected hotel in Lima, with breakfast.
2 nights at selected hotel in Cusco, with breakfast.
1 night at selected hotel in Sacred Valley, with breakfast.
1 night at selected hotel in Aguas Calientes, with breakfast.
All arrival and departure Transfer.
English speaking local guides in regular services.
All services mentioned on itinerary.
Autorail Vistadome Ollanta – Machu Picchu – Cusco.
Entrances fees

Packages exclude:

Return International Flight (JNB-SAO-LIM-CUZ-LIM-SAO-JNB or CPT-JNB-SAO-LIM-CUZ-LIM-SAO-JNB-CPT) and Domestic Flights.
Airport taxes levied by foreign countries on departure. (Domestic US$ 6.05 per person, per route and for international flight US$ 30.25 per person)
Insurance
Items of a personal nature

Magical and Mysterious in 3* 1/2 (Superior Economy Class)
Package total amount / per person in ZAR fares:

	SGL	DBL
Oct 1^st,09 to Dec 10th, 10	R13,200.00	R8,705.00

Hotel in Sao Paulo Guarulhos 4*: Dobly International by Bristol - Superior Room.

Hotel in Lima: La Hacienda Hotel 4*, STD room (www.bwlahacienda.com)
Hotel in Cusco: Casa Andina Plaza 3*, STD room (www.casa-andina.com/peru_hotels/cusco_plaza_hotel-2-3-3.htm)
Hotel in Sacred Valley: Casona Yucay 3* (www.hotelcasonayucay.com)
Hotel in Aguas Calientes: Hatuchay Tower 3* (www.hatuchaytower.com)

Magical and Mysterious in 4* (Standard First Class)
Package total amount / per person in ZAR fares:

	SGL	DBL
Oct 1^st, 09 to Dec 10^th,10	R15,895.00	R10,280.00

Hotel in Sao Paulo Guarulhos 4*, STD room: Dobly International by Bristol

Hotel in Lima: Jose Antonio 4*, STD room (www.hotelesjoseantonio.com)
Hotel in Cusco: Picoaga, STD room (www.picoagahotel.com )
Hotel in Sacred Valley: Pakaritampu 3* (www.pakaritampu.com)
Hotel in Aguas Calientes: Inkaterra Machu Pichhu 3* (www.pueblohotel.info)

Magical and Mysterious in 4* (First Class)
Package total amount / per person in ZAR fares:

	SGL	DBL
Oct 1^st, 09 to Dec 10th, 10	R17,990.00	R11,315.00

Hotel in Sao Paulo Guarulhos 4*, STD room: Dobly International by Bristol

Hotel in Lima: Casa Andina PC 4*, STD room (www.casa-andina.com/peru_hotels/miraflores_hotel-2-1-16.phtm)
Hotel in Cusco: Casa Andina PC, STD room (www.casa-andina.com/peru_hotels/sacred_valley_hotel-2-7-7.phtm)
Hotel in Sacred Valley: Casa Andina PC, STD room www.casa-andina.com/peru_hotels/sacred_valley_hotel-2-7-7.phtm)
Hotel in Aguas Calientes: Inkaterra Machu Pichhu 3* (www.pueblohotel.info)

Magical and Mysterious in 5 * (Superior First Class)
Package total amount / per person in ZAR fares:

	SGL	DBL
Oct 1^st,09 to Dec 10th, 10	R21,725.00	R13,290.00

Hotel in Sao Paulo Guarulhos 5*: Marriott Guarulhos - STD room

BUENOS AIRES & IGUAZU FALL COMBINATION
8 days - 7 nights
Sep 2009 - Mar 2010

All packages include:

5 nights at selected hotel in Buenos Aires, with breakfast.
2 nights at selected hotel in Iguazu, with breakfast.
All arrival and departure Transfers.
English speaking local guides in regular services.
In Buenos Aires:
- City Tour visiting the main sights.
- Dinner and Tango Show at El Querandi
- Full day in the countryside in order to get to know a little of the gaucho‘s lifestyle.
- Half Day to Tigre city including sailing through the Delta of the Parana River.
In Iguazu:
- Visit the water giants “Iguazu Falls” (Argentine side) and reach San Martin Island through the Lower Circuit and visiting of Garganta del Diablo.
- Visit the water giants “Iguazu Falls” (Brazil side).

Package excludes:

International Flight (from JNB or CPT - BUE) and Domestic Flight (from BUE-IGZ-BUE)
Airport taxes levied by foreign countries on departure about usd 18 per person.
Travel Insurance.
Items of a personal nature

CONSULTANT’S NOTES:

Package prices are per person sharing for the full duration.
Prices are subject to change due to availability, currency fluctuation, land/ airfare increases.
A yellow fever vaccinations is now required for passengers travelling to Iguazu Falls. Please consult the travel clinic for more info.

Discovery Buenos Aires and Iguazu Falls, in 4* (First Class)
Package total amount/ per person for different periods in ZAR fares:

	SGL	DBL	TRP
Jan 6th to Mar 31st, 10	R 12,675.00	R 7,515.00	R 10,830.00

Hotel in Buenos Aires, 4 *: Park Central Unique - STD room.
Hotel in Iguazu, 4 *: Panoramic - STD River room

Discovery Buenos Aires and Iguazu Falls, in 5* (De Luxe Class)
Package total amount/ per person for different periods in ZAR fares:

	SGL	DBL	TRP
Jan 6th to Mar 31st, 10	R 21,600.00	R 12,090.00	R 10,975.00

Hotel in Buenos Aires, 5 *: Intercontinental - De Luxe room.
Hotel in Iguazu, 5 *: Sheraton Iguazu Resort & Spa. STD Falls view.

ROMANTIC ESCAPE TO PHUKET
Burasari Resort 3+*** Boutique hotel
Patong Beach, Phuket

Named after the rare Burasari flower that grows on the property, Burasari Resort is an unexpected treasure in the heart of exciting Patong. Burasari is a boutique resort unlike any other on Patong beach, offering a full experience of sophisticated style, comfort, privacy and tranquillity.

Validity	Ex Jnb	Ex Cpt	Ex Dur
16/01/2010 - 31/03/2010 Premier room	R11 110 PPS	R12 870 PPS	R12 640 PPS
16/01/2010 - 31/03/2010 Elite room	R12 220 PPS	R13 980 PPS	R13 750 PPS

Package Includes:

Return flights on Cathay Pacific ex Johannesburg
Domestic add on fare from Cape Town or Durban
Airport taxes
Return Seat in coach transfers airport/hotel/airport
7 nights accommodation the room category of your choice
based on two people sharing
Breakfast daily
Welcome drink and cold towel on arrival
10% discount on food at Floyd’s Brassiere
Free of Charge Wireless internet access in room and throughout the hotel
Once daily complimentary restocking of the mini bar with selected items

Package Excludes:

Airport taxes levied by countries at departure points
Visa Costs
Insurance
Items of a personal nature


The Travel Tower • BaysVillage Centre • Milner Road • Bloemfontein - Tel: +27 51 406 2500 • Fax: +27 51 436 3793