Cycle Europe – Melbourne Cup – Kilimanjaro

Mt Kilimanjaro

Travel Briefs

With John Crook

Create your own Tour

This may not be the real Tour De France– but who cares. Any cycling trip that celebrates the joys of summer in Europe is good enough for me!

Outdoor Travel has a two-week “bike and barge” tour departing on 21st July that takes in some spectacular sights between Paris in France, and Bruges in Belgium. Highlights along the way include Royal Palace in Compiegne, the Basilica of St Quentin, the Somme WW1 memorials, the canals, and the history of the historical city of Bruges.

Well-maintained multi-geared bikes are provided, or you can bring your own if you’re fussy. Daily rides average between 35-55 kilometres, and each night you get return to your air-conditioned twin share cabin on board the riverboat, that is your home for 14 nights.

There’s a big saving for all new bookings made before 31st March. Outdoor Travel is offering a discount of $1000 per person, in a twin share cabin – making the price $2495 (reduced)

Bookings www.outdoortravel.com.au or call toll free 1800 331 582

Early fashion tip for The Melbourne Cup

If you one to leave the decision of what to wear to the Spring carnival until the last moment, have I got a tip for you. Make sure you book for The Beautiful Girls Fashion Lunch at Flemington on Wednesday March 7, to get the lowdown on the very latest in fashion. The parade, showcasing some of Australia’s top designers, gives you a head start on everyone else to work out what fashions are in, and what’s out!

Guests will be treated to a two-course lunch by Peter Rowland plus beverages, and a special performance by Australian music sensation, Vanessa Amorosi.

Tickets are $155 for non-members, and you can book by calling Flemington Customer Services on 1300 727 575.

Another one for the bucket List

Any self respecting bucket list should have a fair dinkum mountain climb on it. A lot dream about climbing Everest – and from what those who make it say – there is no better experience. But let’s be real – it is tough, unforgiving, and a lot don’t make it.

So let’s set a more realistic target – the 5895 metre Mt Kilimanjaro for instance. And the odds of actually completing the climb are far better. Adventure travel specialist, Explore Worldwide, is offering a choice of itineraries for the arduous climb. And while this is not for the faint hearted, the company claims an astonishing 96-percent of its customers reach Africa’s highest peak.

Explore offers more time on the mountain to give travellers more time to adjust to altitude, to greatly increase their enjoyment and the chances of a successful climb. A typical 12-day Kilimanjaro-Lemosho trek, which climbs and descends the mountain on different paths, allows customers to experience different climatic regions and also plant and animal life.

There is a real treat at the end of a successful climb – you transfer to Arusha National Park for relaxation, or you can take part in optional game drives.

Graded strenuous to tough, the tour starts from $2463 per person, and included accommodation, all meals on the trek, transport, and the services of a tour leader, driver and support crew.

For info, call 1300 414 151 or visit www.exploreworldwide.com.au