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It seems as if in Man some inner conflict is always present: a longing to see what lies beyond, against the desire to return to one’s native land or home. At our agency we are regularly confronted by this strange anomaly. Intended travellers can’t wait to get on board for a life-time experience, but when they arrive back – especially after some lengthy trip – we hear them say “ ... but during the last few days I longed to be back home, to sleep in my own bed, to enjoy the food that I’ve prepared myself ...”  

The irresistible urge to travel, to discover, is a phenomenon that contributed to mankind spreading across the globe since the dawn of time.  This was the driving force of Greek heroes like Odysseus setting out their sails to discover strange lands, the motivating power for the pioneers opening up a new land, longing for the “Far Away Mountains” as the great storyteller of the American West, Louis L’Amour describes it in his Sackett series.

But this urge may often be based on a subconcious wish to regain Paradise Lost, to escape to an Utopia (Greek έύ = good/well and όπός = place), a Shangri-La, a Land of Cokaygne, mystical lands isolated from the realities surrounding you, where you may be able to make a living in a society possessing a more perfect socio-political-legal system. Was this at the base of the Great Trek of the Voortrekkers northwards into Africa, the spreading of the African tribes southwards, or the main reason why so many of our countrymen have moved overseas? 

However, another, febrile restlessness is always lurking at the back of the mind. This homesickness, this sad mood overtaking a person when far from home, was coined “nostalgia” (Greek nostos = return, and algos = pain/suffering) by the physician Johannes Hofer in 1688. The stories of the ancient Greek heroes are also aptly called the Nosti (Returns), because almost all of them had this great desire to return back home after accomplishing their missions. In the great works of Homer, the Odessey or the Iliad, we find them – these brave men – longing for their home-lands, like Odysseus gazing out over the ocean to his “rugged land, Ithaca”, about which he says: “I know no sweeter sight on earth than man’s own native country.”

We, at Sure Etnique Travel, fully understand this dualism, this Fernweh (longing to be far away), this Wanderlust, as well as the Heimweh ( longing to be at home) as the Germans call it, because we are always prone to it. That is why we endeavour to see as much as possible of this beautiful earth of ours. But we always return home in order to advise you from personal experience.

We wish you exciting journeys, and joyous home-comings for 2011!
 

–  Manie

 

The moment you stop learning, you stop leading - Rick Warren
 
 

The Travel Tower • BaysVillage Centre • Milner Road • Bloemfontein   -   Tel: +27 51 406 2500  •  Fax: +27 51 436 3793
info@etniquetravel.co.za   •   www.etniquetravel.co.za
 

 
 

Sitting in the Panorama Room of the Restaurant de la Tour in the picturesque hill town Sancere on the west bank of the River Loir, with its stupendous view over the valley and its vines, while sipping a sublime Sauvignon Blanc, produced  by made from goat’s milk, one cannot help but be impressed by the the close relationship that still exists between regional foods and drinks in France.

The Loire Valley
– Cradle of modern France

Recognized as the Garden of France - an “enchanted land of vineyards, flowers and rolling green hills dotted with more than a thousand chateaux” (as the Western France Tourist Board describes it), the Loire Valley was formed by the nearly 1 000 km long Loire River flowing north from its source in the Massif Central, bending south-westwards at the vineyards of Sancerre, to where it empties into the Atlantic at Nantes.

There are four distinct wine producing segments along the valley, from Sancerre to Nantes (Kyk WotW, bl.152), where some 12 000 family-run estates cultivate about 50 000 ha Appelation d’Origine Contrôlée vines (The highest quality wines according to the French AOC system), making it the third largest producer in France, following Bordeaux and the Rhône Valley. The region wherein Sancerre is situated is regarded as the best for Savignon blanc in France, whilst the Chenin Blanc (known locally as Pineau de la Loire) is described as “one of the greatest expressions of Chenin Blanc in the world” by the publication Wines of the World.


 
The history of the region is fundamental to France as the modern French nation as a whole was in a certain sense born here. This is the region where Emperor Charlemagne came to rule, where in 1429 Joan of Arc led a revitalised army and drove the English from the besieged Orléans, marking the beginning of the English retreat and the end of the Hundred Years War, where the Renaissance in France began under the reign of Francois 1, where powerful monarchs and politicians built their splendid chateaux, where the religious wars between the Catholics and the Huguenots claimed thousands of lives, and the region where widespread devastation took place during the Second World War.

The valley of the Loire from Chambord to Angers and its surroundings is known as the “Royal Route of Chateaux”.  Having witnessed some of the most romantic and turbulent moments in French history, they today stand serene, elegant, formidable and grandiose. Amongst the many the following might be representative of those erected during the 15th to the 18th centuries when the region was much loved by many of the French kings and other royalty and financiers, who competed with one another to build even more elaborate and luxurious architectural masterpieces.


   

Chateaux Chambord: This estate, now designated as a world heritage site, was initiated by King Francis in 1519. It is alleged that Leonardo da Vinci, who had come to France in 1516, has helped to inspire the project. However, Francis never saw Chambord completed. His son, Henry II, and Louis XIV, were responsible for completing one of the most stunning buildings in the entire valley.
   

Situated some 50 plus km south-west of Orleans near Blois,  Chambord was initially intended as a hunting lodge, but its architecture makes it an extravagant château. It has 426 rooms, 77 staircases, 282 fireplaces and 365 chimneys. Despite these vast dimensions, the château appears delightfully graceful and well balanced, incorporating a surprising synthesis of styles from the Gothic past and innovative architecture from Renaissance Italy. No visitor driving towards the châteax can escape being spell-bound at the vision as it suddenly emerges on rounding a bend in the surrounding forest: the huge white facade flanked by wide towers, innumerable windows, and topped by a multiplicity of chimneys and turrets. Walking along its terrace enables the admiring visitor a close-up view of the architectural derilium of the roof.   


One of the most interesting structures inside is the double spiral staircase in the central keep, that links the château’s three floors. It comprises two concentric spiral flights of stairs that wind independently around a hollow central column, so that two people on different flights can see each other through the openings in the central column, but will never meet. Chambord undoubtedly bears proud testimony to three centuries of French Royal history.

  

The Chateaux Cheverney (built between 1624 and 1640), also near Blois, and not far away from Chambord, is one of the best known chateaux in the region, and opened to the public in 1922. The descendants of the original owners, the Marquis and Marquise de Vibraye, at present still live in the right wing. But the first owners also never saw this “miracle of love” (as they called it) fully completed. The interior decoration was only completed by the next generation. 

There are a number of very unique and special rooms, like the bedchamber which was reserved for the King and distinguished guests. The canopied four poster bed is covered with Persian embroidery done in the 16th century. All around the room is a unique collection of tapestries made in 1640; 30 painted panels above the doors and on the ceiling depicts ancient Greek mythological scenes.

Other captivating rooms are the colourfully decorated Grand Salon with its chairs of gilded upholstery, the Portrait Room with a series of family portraits, and the Arms Room with a remarkable collection of weapons and armour from previous centuries. 

The royal Chateau Blois was a favourite residence of the kings of France during the Renaissance. The furnished and recently renovated apartments are adorned with magnificent decorations. Four wings, with four styles from four different periods surround the courtyard, offering a dazzling panorama of French archirecture.


 

   

This chateau is now an official museum of France  with more than 35 000 works of art. Part of the collections is on display in the royal apartments and in the Fine Arts Museum in the Louis XII wing. Different activities intrigue the visitor through the year, such as the show of swordfighters and Renaissance music during the summer months. Then the courtyard comes to life with duellists clashing in a revival of famous combats linked to the chateau’s history. In the evenings a sound and light show creates a magical world of colour and light evoking famous historical episodes.    

Amboise, on the banks of the Loire, a short way from Tours, is also a royal chateaux, where the kings enjoyed staying. About 200 meters away lies Le Clos Lucé, where Leonardo spent the last days of his life. Models of 40 of the most spectacular machines dreamed up by this Renaissance man can be seen here. The Chateau Villandry also lies next to the river. Its extensive gardens laid out over three terraces on different levels forming a unique example of French landscaping in the 16th century, encase it like a jewel.

In the region in and around the Loire Valley the traveller will  come across some of the finest Gothic cathedrals to be found not only in France, but also in Europe, like the one in Chartres, with its magnificent stained glass windows, and the famous 13th century labyrinth inlaid in the nave floor. The St-Etienne Cathedral in Bourges, most similar to the Notre-Dame in Paris, is the widest in the country.

Looking for the essence of France, the Loire Valley running through the heart of French life, should be high up on the list of any traveller to this beautiful country. No wonder that it is classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
                                                                      –  Manie



  
 
 

Please feel free to send us an email or note describing your experience with our Agency, and sharing your travel encounters with our readers, and ourselves.

Go on, join our previous letter writers and share your thoughts with all! - info@etniquetravel.co.za

__________________________________________

 

Dear Tessa and Etnique-family

Hallo Tessa!!!   Sorry for only replying now, but it has been hectic in the Nel-house since we set foot in Bloemies.

My youngest daughter got married on the 23rd and we had a few hiccups to sort out.   In the end everything went well and that is the most important thing, hey. I am on facebook and Roan will have to invite me as a friend, to enable me to have a look at all your goodies.

Let me first thank you for organising my stay in Taipei so well that I had no problems and had a wonderful time.  Little sleep, lots of adventure, lots of giggles, no getting lost and bags full of memories for my old age.   The Wonstar Hotel even organised for me a tour guide, by the name of Robert Tsai.   He was fantastic and even took met on a motorbike ride.   We visited the highest building in the world, the 101.   Wow! what an experience!!!   Jacques did well the Volksblad reported on his swimming and Radio Rosestad chose him as the Disabled Sportman of the term.   He received a lovely trophy during a breakfast at Block and Cellar.

Lets hope the 'oupa' of the team will make it again in two years time, then we will be off to Italy!!!   I will contact you again as my travel agent .......... you gave me lots of peace of mind.

Have a lovely November.
Amanda Nel  -  Bloemfontein
__________________________________________

Hello Melanie,

I have been home now for three months and I am sorry to have taken so long thank you for your excellent service.  Your very personal interest over the past few years in my wellbeing while travelling - whether it be domestic or international is so very much appreciated, as also your patience in organising date & flights  enabling me to meet up with family at certain points.  Being a pensioner "of a certain age" you have always taken  the apprehension out of travelling  by  ensuring that everything went smoothly from door to door.   I have always had nothing to do except get on the flight and enjoy my holiday.

I have told everyone I know about your wonderful kindness and how you take such a personal interest in your clients- (My family overseas were very impressed).  You are definitely an asset to Sure Etnique Travel.

I am already looking forward to my next trip and will certainly be in to see you.

Be well
Jeannette Moore - Bloemfontein

ps This last trip -"My Highland Fling"  to the Outer Hebrides of Scotland  was absolutely magical.

_______________________________________________

En die WENNER is…NERINA van Sure Etnique Travel

 

Baie dankie weereens vir jou harde werk en ondersteuning Nerina!!!
Dit word hoog waardeer.
Dankie ook aan die hele kantoor vir al jul lojaliteit en harde werk.
Mooi bly

Vriendelike groete

Petro van Rensburg
Area Sales Manager - Pretoria


_______________________________________________

Johann en Melanie

Ja die tyd vlieg.
Ek wou jou nog bel en dankie sê vir al die advies, raad en uitstekende reisreëlings.

Ons wil eerstens begin deur dankie te sê vir die advies om die Italiaanse mere te besoek. Toe ons julle die eerste keer gesien het, was slegs Rome op ons lys en ek moet se julle het ons na ‘n plek in Italië geneem wat ons wildste drome oortref het. Hierdie toer was ons tiende huweliksherdenking en nadat ons die Italiaanse mere besoek het, is ons reg vir nog tien. Die verblyf wat julle vir ons gereël het was uitstekend en my vrou kan nou nog nie uitgepraat raak oor die eiland Hotel Verbano nie.

Julle het aanbeveel dat ons per motor die Italiaanse mere moet toer op pad na Venesië. Ek was baie skepties, maar weereens was julle reg. Die Alpha Romeo stasiewa was ‘n uitsekende idee en behalwe vir die eerste roete na Stressa waar die paadjies baie nou was en ons baie “gestressa het””, was dit lekker om op ons eie trant tot in Veniesië te reis. My opsomming van die Italiaanse mere is die tuinroete op “steroids”. Ons is ook baie dankbaar dat julle ons in ‘n baie oulike Hotel in Venesië bespreek het. Ons was in die hart van die voetganger-area en kon die unieke plek beleef, ryk en voel.

Die treinrit na Rome was baie gemaklik en ek sal dit vir almal aanbeveel. Ons het ook van die min Engelssprekende Italianers daar ontmoet en natuurlik Suid Afrika sterk bemark. Op hierdie stadium het my vrou besluit om eerder Afrikaans te praat aangesien die reaksie teenoor Afrikaans baie beter was.

In 2007, met ons Rugby Wêreldbeker-toer, wat ook uitstekend deur julle gereël was, het ek by die Trevi-fontein besluit dat ek my vrou, Adele, Rome toe sou wil bring.

Baie dankie dat julle hierdie droom help verwesenlik het.
Ter opsomming wil ek graag melding maak van julle uitstekende reisgids. Daar was nooit ‘n oomblik waar ons gesukkel het of onseker was nie. Alles het seepglad verloop en ek is seker die dit alles het bygedra tot ‘n baie romantiese avontuur sonder enige tekortkoming.

Nogmaals baie dankie aan jou en Melanie vir die reëlings van ‘n onvergeetlike ervaring.

Groete  
Pieter Verster - ABSA Wealth Bloemfontein/PortElizabeth
______________________________________________________________________

Tessa

Thanks for all your help. Melbourne was beautiful, Geelong too, and the conference excellent!
V-Australian airlines VERY nice; cabin temp. too low on 14 hour return trip; caught cold and am only back in office again today. Would I do it again? Oh yes!

Regards to all
 Dr Cay van der Merwe - Central University of Technology
________________________________________________________________________

Hi Nerina 

Baie dankie jou diens - ek waardeer dit regtig baie.
Dra asb ook my dank oor aan al die ander personeel vir die fantastiese diens wat ek van julle ontvang.

Vriendelike groete 

Dr Danie Vermeulen - Institute for Groundwater Studies UFS
__________________________________________________________________________

Hello Melanie 

Ons het heerlik gekuier.
Baie dankie vir al julle geduld met ons baie besprekings.  Ons besef regtig dat ons soms die byna onmoontlike van julle verwag en waardeer julle vriendelike vinnige hulp.

Groetnis 

Charlene van Biljon  -  Raubex Bloemfontein
_________________________________________________

Hi Tessa
 
I was deleting old emails and came across this one that I have not read or replied to - sorry, I got back to South Africa on 15 Oct after an awesome adventure. One of the highlights of my trip was Lebanon. I really enjoyed every minute of my travels and I look forward to planning my next trip...just need to work again to afford it! I toured 8 countries and 3 islands: Egypt, Greece, Albania, Corfu, Italy, Cyprus, Lebanon, Spain, Gibraltar, Ibiza, SOuth of France . . . A M A Z I N G !!!
 
I hope that you are keeping well. Thank you for always replying to my emails while I was away, your help was much appreciated.
 Regards

Christine Kritzas - Bloemfontein
______________________________________________

Beste Johann en Etnique

Baie dankie vir al jul moeite met ons toer. Nie alleen die besondere wyse waarop julle dit gereël het nie, maar ook jul inset met die gedetaileerde reisplanboekie en moeite met ons versekeringseis, Jul bystand en belangstelling het ons “ramp” nie so erg laat voel nie!

Groete

Henk van der Post - SA Truck Bodies Bloemfontein

_______________________________________________________________

Dear Mr Johann

Thanks a lot for your beautiful message. I'm still doing great, but there's something I would like to tell you about. Actually I left the company that I was working for (NadoTours) and joined one of the biggest hotels here in our country it's called JW MARRIOTT Mirage City Hotel. I worked there for 7 months in the reception. After that I got promoted to be working for the sales and marketing department in another Marriott Hotel; it's called Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino. So I started my new job just one month ago. I'm enjoying it so much. Finally don't forget to send my best regards to all your family and Sure Etnique, and I'm looking forward to seeing you soon in Cairo …

I wish you all the very best. 

Michael Samir - Cairo EGYPT
 
 

 

     
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includes airfare from Johannesburg
 

 
 

The year MMXI will be the 2011th year of Anno Domini, also the 11th, as well as the 2nd year of the 2nd decade of the 3rd millenium. Like previous years many different sorts of events will take place all around the globe. Looking at the databases to be found on a few websites, we discovered that there are literary thousands of these events taking place at thousands of locations around the world. The Frommer’s database, e.g. lists about 300 000 event dates in more than 9 000 locations! And they are of different types: the arts, classical music, festivals and heritage, lifestyle, kids and family, gay and lesbian, music and nightlife, science and knowledge, sport and outdoors, weird and wonderful, etc.

 

 

Should you want to look for specific events that might interest you, the following websites can be recommended:

• www.worldeventsdiary.com
• www.whatsonwhen.com
• www.eventsworldwide.com
• www.carnifest.com 

It is therefore almost impossible to make a selection that will interest all our readers. However, in order to assist you in enhancing your visits abroad, we have taken the liberty to select a few that a traveller might come accross when visiting foreign destinations. The selection included here are of different types, and a few may be smaller than others, but we are confident that they are worth while to be included in a foreign traveller’s itinerary. Of a number of them we have personal experience; on others we have done extensive research, before choosing them.

Sport: For some of the events the precise dates are as yet not available; only the month in which it will take place.

Soccer/Football: There are so many different campionships taking place all over the world, that it is best to look at the calenders to be found on different websites. One of them, that covers most of the main sport activities is www.the-sports.org. The calenders for motor sport or motor bike events like the Formula 1 World Championship, or the Super Bike World Championship will also be found at this website.

Rugby: The most important event will be the World Cup Championship to be held in New Zealand from 9 Sept - 23 Oct 2011.  

Cricket: The World Cup Championship will take place in India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh from 19 Feb. - 2 April 2011


Tennis: The four Grand Slam tournaments: Australia Open - January in Melbourne; French Open - May in Paris; Wimbledon - July in London; US Open - Aug/Sept in New York

Golf: The Masters - April in Augusta; US Open: 16 - 19 June in Bethesda, Maryland; British Open: 14 - 17 July in Sandwich, Kent; US PGA: 8 - 14 August in Atlanta.  

Cycling: The Tour de France will start on the 2nd of July 2011. The route has still to be finalised.

Festivals: The Rough Guide’s book on more than 200 of the world’s best festivals, World Party, available in our library, lists the following as the top 5 festivals around the world, as voted by its readers. We cannot vouch for all of them, since a few are not for the faint-hearted or visitors with strong moral beliefs. Therefore, do some research, before deciding to include festivals in your itinerary. We have, though,  included some remarks from World Party, for these five.

1.   Rio Carnival (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil), 5 - 8 March: “Rio de Janeiro, without doubt, boasts the world’s wildest, glitziest and largest carnival of them all. Drawing people from all over the world to participate, this is the world’s best party-period.”  

2.   Fantasy Fest (Key West, Florida, USA), 22 - 31 October: “Key West, the last in the string of islands that stretches south from Florida, plays host to one of the wildest fancy-dress free-for-alls on earth. Fantasy Fest is a music- and rum-fuelled party marathon that reaches its zenith with a massive themed costumed parade.”

3.   Fiesta de San Fermin (Pamplona, Spain), 6 - 14 July: “For one week every year, the Spanish town of Pamplona parties so hard that the foothills of the nearby Pyrenees start to shake. Nothing can prepare you for your first Pamplona experience: the constant flow of beer and sangria, the hordes of exited people in the streets, and, most of all, the early morning terror of the encierro, the daily bull run.”

4.   Glastonbury Festival (Glastonbury, England), 22 - 26 June: “Glastonbury is quite simply the finest music festival in the world. It may not always attract the biggest-name bands, but there’s something special about the vibe in the surrounding countryside of South-West England – Druid burial mounds, crop circles, converging ley lines and the like – and the festival digs right into that groove.”

5.   Oktoberfest (Munich, Germany), 17 Sept - 3 October: “Officially the world’s largest public festival, the Munich Beer Festival ... is an unadulterated celebration  of beer, Bavarian life and bacchanalia, attracting seven million visitors. Within two steins (litre glasses of beer) you’ll be laughing with your neighbours like long-lost buddies, and banging the table with the oompah bands.”

Flower shows: The Chelsea Flower Show (24 - 28 May 2011) in London is undoubtedly one of the most famous in the world, one that every gardener should see at least once. South Africa regularly participates and our stall has won numerous gold medals over the years. Another flower show that could be recommended, is the the world’s largest annual flower show, the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show, just outside of London.  This stunning floral displays in the sumptuous gardens takes place from 5 - 10 July 2011. Should you want to visit a flower show in the USA, the Philadelphia Flower Show, the oldest and largest indoor show of its kind in the country, can be commended. It takes place between February - March 2011.

Culture: Tallin (Estonia) and Turku (Finland) have been named as the European capitals of culture for 2011 by the European Union.

Tallin is the capital of the most northerly of the Baltic states, situated on the Gulf of Finland. Its medieval Old Town, a World Heritage site, boasts a labyrinthian area of  narrow cobbled streets beneath the spires of 13th century churches and looming fortress walls. This part of the centuries old city is so compact that it is possible to see most of the interesting tourist sights within one day.

But it is not only the well-known sights, like its medieval churches, galleries and museums or the colourful assortment of restaurants, bars and cafe’s that create Tallin’s special atmosphere. Wandering off  to the less busy streets gives you an in-depth glimpse of real life in Tallin  - from yuppie entrepreneurs investing in renovating ancient buildings, to original handmade toys for all ages and seasons, to ageing Estonian ladies begging in front of the gabled Church of the Holy Ghost – a lively mix of yesterday and today. Should you want to find out more about Tallin, see our website (www.etniquetravel.co.za > useful info > travel stories of destinations > estonia: tallin), the article written by Johann Beukes. 

Turku (Also known by its Swedish name of  Åbo) lies in the most historic part of Finland, at the mouth of the Aura River, on the south-west archipelago breaking up into hundreds of islands stretching out to the Åland Island Group more than halfway between Finland and Sweden. Exploring them is one of the top tourist pursuits during the summer months. Many of the islands are interlinked by bridges, so that they can be reached by car; for other a ferry can be taken.

As the oldest city in Finland, founded in the early 1200s, Turku was for several centuries the unofficial capital of the region what is now the modern-day Finland. When Russia assumed control of the region in 1809, it was decided to move the administrative capital to Helsinki. But the history of Finland can be experienced throughout the city. As in Tallin, most of the city’s sights are within walking distance of the central Kauppatori Square, like the imposing Turku Castle, built in the 13th century, and the largest surviving medieval castle in all the Scandinavian countries. However, there are so many tourism possibilities in Turku, that at least a couple of days should be dedicated to this area in one’s itinerary.

                                                                                                                             – The ETNIQUE Team
 
 

 

     
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includes airfare from Johannesburg
 

 
 

When travellers think of Japan, images of geishas, kabuki, sumo and samurai might come to mind. The reality, especially for those entering the island nation via the main international airports of Narita for Tokyo and Kansai for Osaka, is that they will be greeted by brightly coloured flashing neon signs, huge traffic volumes, millions of daily commuters and ultramodern hi-rise skyscrapers.  

To experience the Japan of clients' dreams, a stay at a ryokan, a traditional Japanese-style inn, is a must. In addition, since ryokans are typically inclusive of accommodations plus breakfast and dinner, a realistic travel budget can be worked out. With the current strength of the yen vs. the dollar, this is more important than ever.

 

Ever dreamt of sleeping in a Ryokan?
 

When guests enter a ryokan, they exchange their shoes for a pair of slippers, then are escorted to their rooms by a kimono-clad attendant. There, behind closed shoji for the duration of their stay. The idea is, upon entering a ryokan, to leave the hustle and bustle of the outside world at the front door.

 

 
A true ryokan experience in 2007: at the Iwasõ Ryokan on the island of Miyajima near Hiroshima.
 
 
   By Sheila Aue
Air travel disrupted throughout Europe
 

MEDIA have reported that the ‘big freeze’ engulfed the whole of Britain with forecasters predicting snowfall and subzero temperatures in almost every corner of the country on November 30.

 Freezing Arctic conditions that have paralysed much of Scotland and the North East spread to the Midlands bringing up to two inches of snow during the early hours and is expected to reach parts of Wales, the South East and London later. Severe weather warnings of heavy snowfall and widespread road ice have been issued by the Met Office across almost every part of the UK, with further travel chaos expected to heap misery on commuters.

It was also reported that snow and icy conditions forced the cancellation of more than 200 flights at Frankfurt International Airport. Although the runways were cleared of snow, aircraft needed defrosting, causing delays.

Passengers are advised to watch local weather reports and contact their respective airlines before leaving for the airport.
 
 
Greek Islands
 

Santorini + Action

Visit the famous Greek islands of Santorini where a volcanic eruption created one of the world's most famous caldera views thousands of years ago. The secrets of the bottom of the sea are yours to explore. SCUBA diving for non-divers or divers is also included...

6 nights from 230 € pps
   

SCUBA in Crete

Crete is the mythical kingdom of the Minoan civilization. History, water sports, nightlife, Crete has it all. SCUBA activities diving for non-divers or divers is also included...

6 nights from 244 € pps
   

Greek Islands in private

A custom weekly cruise between Greek Islands of the Ionian seas. Traditional Greek cuisine and popular international dishes cooked on board. Daily activities such as sailing and/or SCUBA diving supported by certified professionals. Private shore excursions - sightseeing tours. Join us in a unique cruising experience....

7 nights from 1020 € pps
 
 

 

     
•  El Calafate & Buenos Aires, Argentina - 5 Nights from R4 805 pps
•  New Year in Rio, Brazil - 4 Nights from R6 990 pps
 •  Highway Gateway, USA - 7 Nights from R4 450 pps

FAR EAST & AUSTRALASIA

•  Bangkok and Koh Samui Hotel - Thailand - 7 Nights from R14 900 pps
 •  Essential Vietnam - 8 Nights from R15 260 pps
 •  Stunning Singapore - 4 Nights from R9 130 pps

AFRICA & INDIAN OCEAN ISLANDS

•  Special at the Rockwell - Cape Town - 2 Nights from R3 330 pps
•  The Square Hotel - Umhlanga - 2 Nights from R2 975 pps
•  Plettenberg Park - Plettenberg Bay - 2 Nights from R4 015 pps

UK, EUROPE & RUSSIA

•  Caviar and Snow in St Petersburg- Russia - 4 Nights from R8 190 pps
•  Deluxe Festive Season in London - 4 Nights from R3 945 pps
•  New Year's in Vienna - Austria - 4 Nights from R6 010 pps

CRUISES

•  Western Mediterranean Cruise - Liberty of the Seas - 7 Nights from R6 650 pps
 •  Best of Malaysia - Legend of the Seas  - 3 Nights from R3 600 pps
 •  South America Cruise - Splendour of the Seas -  7 Nights from R10 050 pps

includes airfare from Johannesburg
 

 
 
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