Travel Briefs

TRAVEL BRIEFS

By John Crook 

Five ski options

Ski France International claims to offer ski packages in France for prices as competitive, if not better, as those on offer within some Australian resorts. For instance, a Megeve special offer from around AUD $1204 per person, includes B&B accommodation on a double room basis, with a six day Evasion Mont Blanc ski-pass.  Check other packages from Chamonix, Meribel, Val d’Isere and Val Thorens.  For details email franceski@wanadoo.fr  

Cruise super liner style

Diamond Princess sails on an unusual itinerary ex Sydney  on February 21 2010.  Book before August 13 this year, with prices starting from  $4249, and journey into Asia via Melbourne, Hobart, Adelaide, Fremantle, Exmouth to Singapore, Ho Chi Minh City, Sihanoukville and Bangkok.   It’s a 21-night package including one night at the Banyan Tree Bangkok.   Price includes air back to Sydney with air taxes and fuel surcharges additional at the time of booking.

Check it out on www.ecruising.travel  

Learn soccer Brazil style

Friendly matches, daily football instruction and practice with former professional players feature in this package.  A one-week placement from $890 for one week.  Also included is full board accommodation in multi-shared bedrooms, three meals a day, airport transfers from Sao Paulo  international airport and use of sporting facilities and excursions.  Suitable for football enthusiasts aged 12  to 30 years of age.  Get the facts by ringing 134 782. 

Flash package in the Hunter

A ‘best of the Hunter’ package, with mid-week overnight accommodation  is on offer at Peppers Convent, arguably one of the best upmarket escapes in the country. 

The package, priced at $504 per night includes breakfast for two, pre-dinner drinks and canapés, and a three-course  a-la-carte dinner at Roberts Restaurant for two.   Stay longer and additional nights are priced at $290 including breakfast and pre-dinner drinks and canapés.  For conditions and more details email  convent@peppers.com.au  

ETIHAD a name to remember

Rave reports about ETIHAD, the latest airline to service the United Arab Emirates, makes its home-town of Abu Dhabi a temptation.   There’s a three-day package worthy of attention, providing a stopover en route to or from Europe, priced from $286 per person, twin share.  This includes a ‘meet and greet’, return transfers, two nights accommodation with daily breakfast and a city tour.  Package departs Sunday, Tuesday and Friday.   For ETIHAD flight costs telephone 1300 558 987. 

Conditions and price fluctuations may apply with each of the above packages.