Experience the breathtaking beauty of the landscapes, the astounding history and the incredible hospitality of these Silk Road countries.

The 21-day tour enters the Caucasus through oil-rich Azerbaijan. After experiencing an amazing amalgam of both ancient and modern in the capital, Baku, the tour heads east through semi-desert towards the lush and beautiful mountains around Seki.

The lovely rural landscapes continue over the border in Georgia’s winegrowing area of Kakheti where sampling the local product is a must. Whilst in Georgia there will be visits to picturesque towns and historic monasteries, a drive up into the spectacular Greater Caucasus mountains and time to explore Georgia’s handsome capital, Tbilisi.

Moving on into Armenia, there will be ancient monasteries in stunning locations, more magnificent scenery and an abundance of fabulous food. The Caucasus tour will conclude under imposing Mt Ararat in Yerevan, Armenia’s lively and friendly capital.

There will be a stop-over in Dubai on the return journey. The tour is priced at $6870 (twin share – Land content only).

The air fares at this stage would be about $3000, bringing the cost to about $10 000. This is very good value which you can easily see as virtually the same tour, being offered by Travel Directors, is priced at $17 000. If you are interested in this tour, the closing date is the end of February. Please contact Heather Rushton ASAP.

Email: heather@acrtravel.com.au

This tour features a two-week cruise on a small ship (maximum 140 passengers).

It starts in Manila, ends in Darwin and explores many beautiful Philippine and Indonesian islands along the way. The tour doesn’t follow the usual tourist routes and goes to places that larger cruise vessels can’t reach. The emphasis is on education rather than entertainment.

The cruise passes through regions that abound in biodiversity including rare and endangered wildlife, and the remote tropical outposts visited are equally rich in history, heritage and ancient cultures. Highlights include the Chocolate Hills of Bohol Island, Halea Nature Park on San Miguel Island, Banda Neira in the Spice Islands and the chance to swim with Whale Sharks.

A full itinerary is available on application. Currently the cruise price starts at $12 850 pp for a Main Deck Triple cabin (double and single cabins are available). The price includes one night in a hotel in Manila, a flight to Legazpi City (where the cruise begins), all on board accommodation with meals, on shore excursions and activities.

There is also a program of lectures by noted naturalists. The price does not include airfares. If you are interested in this tour, you will have to act very quickly in order to take advantage of discounts being offered at the moment. 

Email: heather@acrtravel.com.au