WHEELING ALONG
For river-cruisers with an interest in discovering Europe on two wheels, Scenic has two dedicated cycling cruises next year that offer specialised bikes, cycling guides, a bike mechanic and a support vehicle. The 11-day 'Bordeaux Cycling Endeavour' has departures on July 19 and August 8, 2017; cycling routes include the Arcachon Bay coastal region (Europe's longest coastal beach) and the historic Saint-Émilion wine region. Meanwhile the eight-day 'Gems of the Danube Cycling Discovery', with numerous departures between May and September, follows part of the Danube Path, one of Europe's most famous cycling routes.
Phone 138 128. See scenic.com.au
NORTHERN EXPOSURE
Small-group tour company Beyond Travel recently released its inaugural Special Journeys brochure for 2017, which includes a new 'Scandinavian Capitals, Fjords & The Hurtigruten Voyage' tour that showcases the cultures of four countries and includes a six-night cruise along Norway's coast line and across the Arctic Circle. Highlights of the cruise include the cities of Bergen and Trondheim, the Lofoten Islands and the spectacular Geirangerfjord, as well as an excursion onto the North Cape Plateau above the Arctic Circle. The cruise-tour departs on July 22 and August 5, 2017.
Phone 1300 363 554. See beyondtravel.com.au
VOYAGES OF DISCOVERY
Voyages of Discovery has rolled out its Africa itineraries from late 2017. Voyager begins its season on November 29, 2017 with a 22-day cruise to Cape Town, calling at Cape Verde, St Helena and Ascension, followed by a 15-day cruise along Africa's southern coastline from Cape Town to Mozambique and a 15-day flora and fauna cruise from Cape Town to Mauritius, with calls at Reunion Island and Madagascar. Highlights include the Pamplemousses Botanical Garden in Port Louis, a safari and a trip to an active volcano on Reunion Island.
Phone 1800 623 267. See discovertheworld.com.au
AUSSIE AUSSIE AUSSIE
Captain Cook Cruises is celebrating Australia Day next year with a special four-night cruise on the Murray River on paddlewheeler Murray Princess, departing January 23. Australia Day fun and games will include Two Up and a thong throwing competition, plus a special captain's Australia Day buffet dinner. There's also an Aussie-style campfire barbecue dinner and bush dance on the riverbank. Shore excursions include tours of Swan Reach, Ngaut Ngaut Aboriginal Reserve and its archaeological sites, and a native wildlife shelter, as well as a visit to the Australian Woolshed Show.
Phone 1300 729 938. See murrayprincess.com.au
MUSICAL MEMORIES
Seabourn has announced an exclusive partnership with the acclaimed British lyricist responsible for musical works such as Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita and The Lion King. The concert-style 'Evening with Tim Rice' will take passengers through some of Tim Rice's best-known works and debuts on Seabourn Encore in early 2017. Australians will be among the first to enjoy the new production, as Seabourn Encore spends its maiden summer in Australian waters between January and March 2017. The production will be launched on Seabourn's other ships over subsequent months.
Phone 13 24 02. See seabourn.com
