WANDER LIST
THIS WEEK’S HOTTEST DEALS WILL HAVE YOU WANTING TO EXERCISE THOSE ITCHY FEET
1 IMMERSED IN NORWAY
Swim with wild orcas in the fjords of Norway, embark on a husky safari and experience the northern lights on a new eco holiday from Majestic Whale Encounters. The Orca Swim and Northern Lights Expedition in Norway in November, 2019, is the Australian company’s first whale swim tour outside the South Pacific. Led by Scottish photographer and conservationist Grant Thomas, the 10-day expedition includes a six-night cruise along Norway’s wild coastline and three nights in boutique cabins. Sail aboard the 16-passenger MS
Stronstad, an expedition vessel with hot tubs, sauna and central heating. The round-trip cruise along Norway’s fjords offers the chance to see humpbacks, finn and minke whales, puffins, bearded seals and deer, and swim with orcas.
The tour continues onshore with three nights in cabins at the bottom of snow-capped mountains near Tromso – one of the best vantages to see the aurora borealis – with local hosts, warm shelters and a constant supply of hot chocolate. Visit a Sami reindeer camp where a 200-strong herd stay in the winter months, revel in a sled ride and be invited into a lavvo (Sami tent) to enjoy a traditional meal cooked on a fire and hear their stories. At Tromso Husky Farm, guests will be greeted by 120 Alaskan huskies and can help drive a sled team through the scenic landscape. The 10-day tour starts in Tromso on November 22, 2019, and is available from $8400 per person, twin-share. Flights from Australia are extra.
2 RUN TO PARADISE
....................... For details, call Majestic Whale Encounters on 0405 594 253 or go to majesticwhaleencounters.com.au
Score three free nights in Fiji and other bonuses with this package from Flight Centre. From $605 per person twin share, the deal includes seven nights for the price of four in a Frangipani Bure at Fiji Hideaway Resort & Spa, buffet breakfast daily, an introductory scuba dive lesson, return airport transfers, two bonus 30-minute spa foot treatments, FJD$100 resort credit and free Wi-Fi. Fiji Hideaway Resort and Spa is a 3.5-star tropical resort on the Coral Coast, a 90-minute transfer from Nadi International Airport. The deal is on sale until January 31 for travel from February 1 to June 30. For more details, call Flight Centre on 131 600 and quote deal code 4976453 or go to flightcentre.com.au
3 STOP TO SMELL THE FLOWERS
Escape Travel’s Chelsea Flower Show packages are ripe for the picking. From $585 per person, you’ll get two nights’ accommodation at the three-star Ibis London Earl’s Court Hotel, breakfast daily and a one-day ticket to the world’s most prestigious flower show on May 24 or 25. Explore the 4.45ha display of flowers and nurseries, showcasing the best in garden design and landscaping. The deal is valid for sale until February 28. For details, call Escape Travel on 1300 799 783 or go to escapetravel.com.au
4 SCORE FOUR NIGHTS FREE
Enjoy a private Phuket paradise for twice as long with this offer from Travel Associates. Pay from $415 per person twin share and receive eight nights for the price of four in a deluxe ocean-facing villa at the four-star Centara Villas Phuket with buffet breakfast daily. Centara Villas Phuket offers private accommodation with beautiful views, a swimming pool and two restaurants. The offer is on sale until February 28 for travel from April 11 to October 31. For details, call Travel Associates on 1800 044 066 and quote deal code 5045380 or go to travel-associates.com.au
5 IN CRUISE CONTROL
Viking Cruises has launched its Explorer Sale, with savings on a range of its ocean and river cruises when booked before March 31. Save up to $6300 per couple on the 15-day Into the Midnight Sun itinerary exploring the splendour of London and the remote outposts of Scotland’s Shetland and Orkney islands, or enjoy free flights on selected Asian ocean cruises. River cruise deals include 2019 cruises at 2018 pricing plus free flights to Europe and Russia on itineraries of 13 days or more, and fly for $995 per person on cruises of 12 days or less. “2018 is going to be a big year for Viking as we bring our ships to Australia and New Zealand for the first time,” says managing director Michelle Black. For more information go to vikingcruises.com.au