Insight Vacations' 12-day Splendours of Egypt
From $2899 per person, twin share (land only)
The ancient relics and intriguing icons of Egypt have to be seen to be believed, and what better time than 2009?! Make it your mid-year resolution to retrace the steps of mystical mummies and majestic pharaohs on this 12-day Egyptian extravaganza. Highlights include: admire the artifacts recovered from the tomb of Tutankhamun in Cairo's Egyptian Museum; tour the awesome Karnak Temple with its vast Hypostyle hall; visit the Temple of Hathor in Dendara with its rare depiction of Cleopatra and her son Caesarian; see the Colossi of Memnon, two giant faceless statues of Amenophis III; travel by motorboat to the Temple of Isis on the Island of Philae; sail on a 'felucca' around Aswan's Botanical gardens; visit the Rameses II statue and alabaster Sphinx in Memphis and see the Sakkara Step Pyramid of King Zozer - the oldest in the world. This hassle-free holiday will also allow you to keep to your save money resolution, by offering fantastic value; deluxe accommodation, all transport, premium highlights and many meals are all included in the one price.
Trafalgar's 12-day Gladiators, Gondolas and Mountains
From $2499 per person, twin share (land only)
Think back to December 31st, 2008, just before the clock struck midnight - what was your new year's resolution? To spend more time with the kids? Travel the world and experience new things? Learn about a new culture? Now halfway through the year how are those resolutions playing out? Don't worry; there is still plenty of time to get cracking. Trafalgar's new Gladiators, Gondolas and Mountains tour is the perfect adventure for everyone. Time with the family - check, experience new and fascinating things - check, learn about different cultures - check! Tailored to suit family travel from kids to grandparents alike, if you are looking for the perfect European family holiday, this is the one. Passengers will have the time of their life with an itinerary that will engross both the young and young at heart. Knead dough and pile a base high with toppings in a pizza making class, do as the rich and famous do and stalk the chic streets of Cannes, and relive the days of true Gladiator combat all on this unforgettable tour. Trafalgar's CostSaver itineraries offers travellers the benefits of escorted touring combined with the flexibility of independent travel, all for around 40 per cent less than doing it on your own! Plus, with great child fares available, this truly is a value for money family holiday.
Contiki's seven-day Ultimate Winter Adventure
From $1355 per person, twin share, land only
This year, it's all about ice-ice baby and one thing is for sure, there's 'snow' place like NZ. So if you have one mid-year resolution this year, it should be to hit the slopes and ski up a storm! This seven-day ski-tastic trip is the perfect way to awaken the ski-bunny within, travelling from Christchurch to Fox Glacier, then onto the crazy adventure capital of Queenstown for four action-packed days, with loads of ski and leisure time incorporated. You'll have an absolute blast on this big chill without spending the big bucks. Price includes accommodation, breakfast daily, some dinners, three-day lift passes and transfers, transport in Contiki's super spiffy snow-worthy coaches, and one of Contiki's expert tour managers who'll give you the low down on all the hottest things to see and do.
Busabout Adventures' five-day Pamplona
From $539 per person, twin share, land only
The maddening dash of crowds, the vibrating thuds of a herd...yep, it's time make like a bull and run! For 354 days of the year, the capital of Navarra, nestled amongst the hills in Northern Spain's Basque region, is a relatively sleepy town. But from the 6th to the 14th July, the rolling green hills really do come alive….with the sound of stampede! So it's not too late to dash, if you dare, as there are still spaces available for this fabulously frenzied festival. Activities on include drinking plenty of sangria, cava (Spanish champagne) and cerveza (Spainish beer) and of course, running alongside the bulls that have been let loose on a course of sectioned off streets. Price includes quality accommodation in central San Sebastian, breakfasts while on tour, shuttles between San Sebastian and Pamplona, welcome drinks and souvenir t-shirt and 'panuelo' (neckerchief), plus a Busabout guide to show you the ropes. This is guaranteed to the best experience of your year, if not life. No bull!
Creative Holidays' Thailand air and land packages
Priced from $1445 ex Brisbane, $1359 ex Melbourne, $1225 ex Perth and $1375 ex Sydney per person, twin share.
As the half way mark approaches, we often find ourselves reevaluating the New Year resolutions we made at the beginning of the year. Not sure where to begin, why not take a holiday to wind down and recharge and where better to relax than idyllic Thailand. This package includes return economy airfares to Thailand flying Thai International Airways, eight nights accommodation for the price of four at the Patong Resort Hotel and an upgrade to a deluxe room. Ex Brisbane includes one night accommodation at the Airport Hotel Bangkok due to flight schedules. Upgrades are also available for the Centara Karon Resort from an additional $92 per person.
AAT Kings' 12-day Tasmanian Spectacular
Priced from $3685 per person, twin share (land only).
Was your New Year resolution to travel, but with your busy schedule you haven't gotten around to doing so. Make this now your mid year resolution and see the sights in your own backyard. Tasmania has a breadth of amazing sights to be discovered, filled to the brim with amazing scenery, culture, history and wilderness. On this tour you will explore Launceston, Freycinet National Park, historic Port Arthur, shop and taste the local delicacies at the Salamanca Markets in Hobart, the amazing three-tiered Russell Falls, cruise along the Gordon River and marvel at the beauty of Cradle Mountain.
Uniworld's 13-day Waterways of the Czars
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