January/February 2013

BIG River SMALL Group Cruise Experience!There are only a few big rivers in our world which evoke visions of grandeur, historical significance and cultural interest. The Amazon, The Nile, The Ganges are three AND then there is the mighty Mississippi River of the USA.

The Big Muddy is steeped in Colonial History, - a centre piece in the opening up of the American West. This was followed by a ‘glory days’ period when stately paddle wheelers plied the waters between New Orleans and St Louis providing entertainment and gambling pleasure to the wealthier early citizens.

This experience continued well into the 20th century until as a result of the global financial crisis, these grand old ladies of the Mississippi completely disappeared.

Well the good news is they’re back!...And so is a new tour from Travel Masters, the Gold Coast’s leading small group tour operator.

In June 2013, Bob Malcolm will personally escort a small group of travellers on a wonderful discovery of the Mississippi and its cities. Over 18 nights you’ll experience

International Cruise Council of Australasia Member of Travel Compensation Fund

both a stunning cruise aboard the American Queen, the largest steamboat ever built, as well as time touring New Orleans and Nashville, Tennessee.

In New Orleans the tour includes the famous plantation tour, a swamp and bayou experience, lunch at world famous Antoines Restaurant. PLUS there’s a breakfast at legendary Brennans which is followed by a Creole Cooking Class exclusively for the group members. Nashville will include a visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame as well as an evening dinner and show at the iconic Grand Ole Opry and much more.

This amazing Fly, Cruise and Stay tour departs on 20th June 2013 from Brisbane - prices start from $9,695 per person. The tour is limited so if you want to cruise the Big Muddy in 2013, act now!

February/March 2013

ALL INCLUSIVE AMERICAN RIVER VOYAGE• Gracious & elegant Paddle Wheeler • Opulence of the American Era• The Country of Mark Twain History• Comprehensive Sightseeing • Showboat Entertainment

3 NIGHTS NEW ORLEANS Bourbon St, French Quarter, Jazz Music, Plantation Homes, Bayou Swamps & Cajun Food12 NIGHT CRUISE New Orleans, Natchez, Vicksburg, Helena, Memphis, New Madrid, Cape Girardeau, Chester, St Louis 3 NIGHTS NASHVILLE Comprehensive sightseeing in the Country Music & Bluegrass Capital of the World

18 NIGHTS - Departs 20 June 2013 Fly, Cruise & Stay from $9,695ppBalcony from $10,795pp

MISSISSIPPISTEAMBOATING

Enjoy the rich history & culture of America’s heartland

wanderingstravel newsletter

Bob’s Corner

Welcome to the latest edition of the Wanderings.

We at Travel Masters are looking forward to a very busy year. In fact, as you read this latest newsletter, I along with 44 clients, am cruising along the majestic Amazon River to the ‘rubber empire’ city of Manaus before then sailing down the west coast of Africa to Cape Town.

The boom in cruising over the past few years has seen a corresponding leap in discerning travellers wanting to experience far flung corners of the world, aboard the smaller, luxury ‘boutique’ cruise lines. My current journey is no exception.

Our qualified team of cruise specialists will be only too pleased to provide advice and suggestions for your next cruise adventure.

Our Small Group programme for 2013 has been announced and many tours are already fully booked or close to being sold out. This year sees us offering groups to the Mississippi River, North Korea, South India, as well as the traditional ones to China, South America, Russia, Africa and one of our signature trips – the Silk Road and Tibet. Again our Senior Consultants will provide details and full colour brochures on all these fantastic experiences.

Check out the specials and travel opportunities within this issue of Wanderings. Great cruise deals are on offer as well as opportunities for SOLO travellers or destination holiday makers. Our senior travel specialists at any of our three offices will assist you to maximise your holiday plans.

As always, on behalf of myself, Beth and all our very experienced staff, thank you for supporting the Travel Masters Group and we look forward to being of service again when next you decide to travel.

Happy Travels!

Bob MalcolmManaging Director - Travel Masters

wanderingstravel newsletter

JUMP ON BOARD THESE GREAT CRUISE SPECIALS

SENSATIONAL PACKAGE DEALS

Your Say

Dear Beth and Bob,

What a lovely day we had...Thank-you very much for arranging that great reunion lunch, together with your contribution of wine, breads and coffee. It really was fun seeing everybody again.

Thank-you also for the group photo, and most especially for your CD of terrific pictures. You have a wonderful eye for THE shot. Beth - Just like Bob!! It was very interesting for us to see the photos taken inside the Space Centre, and how fantastic that you got those 3 priests arriving at the church inside the Kremlin - What a beauty!...

Again our thanks for your ever generous hospitality.

Love A & J

Dear Bob & Beth,

Thank-you both for a really enjoyable luncheon...It would probably be the best reunion we have attended. The venue was great. The trip was wonderful so it was such a nice finale. We really appreciate the effort you make with reunions. It somehow makes the trip complete and is always fun to see everyone again & reminisce.

Thank-you, Thank-you & Thank-you both again.

Best Wishes,J&T

ATHENSTO VENICE

SCENIC & APTRIVER CRUISES

ALASKASEATTLE RETURN

HULA YOUR WAY TOHAWAII

7 NIGHT COASTAL CRUISE ABOARD OCEANIA ‘REGATTA’Seattle, Ketchikan, Tracy Arm, Wrangell, Prince Rupert, Seattle

7 NIGHTS - Departs 5 June 2013From $2,999pp inc. flights ex Brisbane & 2 nights accommodation in Seatlle

PLUS US$500 SHIPBOARD CREDIT!

CRUISE THE IDYLLIC HAWAIIAN ISLANDS ABOARD NCL ‘PRIDE OF AMERICA’2 NIGHTS PRE-CRUISE - Honolulu (Hawaii)7 NIGHT CRUISE - Honolulu (Hawaii), Kahului, Maui, Hilo, Kona, Kauai (Overnight), Honolulu

Departures available: Apr - Nov 2013Fly, Cruise and Stay from: Inside $2,849pp Outside $3,119pp or Balcony $3, 469pp

TURKEYTREASURES

CUBANDISCOVERY

TREASURES OF TURKEY IN THE WINTERIn ancient times, Turkey was a major player in the Mediterranean. It’s in vogue once again, but this time it’s the historic sites, natural wonders and value for money that’s drawing in the crowds. Istanbul (Turkey), Iznik, Cumalikizik, Cappadocia, Konya, Aspendos, Perge, Antalya, Pamukkale, Hierapolis, Aphrodisas, Kusadasi, Ephesus, Izmir, Pergamon, Troy, Canakkale, Gallipoli, Istanbul.15 DAYS - Departs 17 March 2013 $3,790pp Including flights ex Brisbane

EXPERIENCE THE 50’s & 60’s ALL OVER AGAINCastro’s Cuba is a fascinating step back in time. It’s unique culture is a blend of Spanish, Caribbean, native Indian and African all mixed together to create the Cuban way of life, full of dance and colour. Come and experience Cuba now before it changes forever.

Highlights: Mexico City, Santiago de Cuba, Baracoa, Camaguey, Trinidad, Cienfuegos & Havana17 DAYS - Departures Sep 13 - Mar 14 $7,399pp Including flights ex Brisbane

ACROPOLIS TO GRAND CANAL ABOARD AZAMARA ‘JOURNEY’Athens (Greece), Mykonos, Paros, Santorini, Chanaia (Crete), Katakolon (Greece), Kotor (Montenegro), Dubrovnik (Croatia), Split, Venice (Italy)

11 NIGHTS - Departs 10 Sep 2013 Fly & Cruise from $4,995pp(Includes transfers between ship and airport)

2014 EUROPEAN RIVER CRUISINGON SALE NOW

FLY FREE2014 AT 2013 PRICES

SAVE UP TO $6,400 PER COUPLE

BECOME A FAN OF TRAVEL MASTERS ON FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/TravelMastersGoldCoast

February/March 2013

SHOWCASING THE EPIC HISTORY, CULTURE & VITALITY OF RUSSIA & UKRAINE. TOUR AT A LEISURELY PACE AT THE VERY BEST TIME OF YEAR!8 NIGHT TOUR OF UKRAINEThe 3 gems of Ukraine - All different, colourful, historic, fabulous! Vibrant Kiev, Picturesque Odessa, Charming Lviv.

12 NIGHT TOUR & CRUISE OF RUSSIARussia in Style - 5 star hotels in the heart of Moscow & St Petersburg. Intimate small ship river cruising - Comprehensive sightseeing, wine with lunch & dinner on ship.

DON’T MISS THIS ONCE ONLY SPECIAL ESCORTED DEPARTURE!

25 DAYS - Departs 30 June 2013 COST: ex Brisbane $11,435pp

3 CRUISES BACK-TO-BACK ABOARD THE MSC ‘MUSICA’Kiel (Germany), Stockholm (Sweden), Tallinn (Estonia), St Petersburg (Russia), Copenhagen (Denmark), Kiel (Germany), Dover/London (UK), Ferrol (Spain), Lisbon (Portugal), Malaga (Spain), Tunis (Tunisia), Dubrovnik (Croatia), Venice (Italy), Katakolon/Olympia (Greece), Istanbul (Turkey), Yalta (Ukraine), Odessa, Constanta (Romania), Gythion (Greece), Venice (Italy)

30 NIGHTS - Departs 21 August 2013 Fly & Cruise from $5,895pp

BE ONE OF ONLY 250 PEOPLE TO STAND AT THE TOP OF THE WORLD IN 2014!- STEP ABOARD NUCLEAR POWERED ICEBREAKER - CRACK THROUGH DENSE MULTI-YEAR ICE- CHAMPAGNE TOAST AT THE NORTH POLE- BALLOON AT THE TOP OF THE WORLD - AERIAL SIGHTSEEING BY HELICOPTER - FRANZ JOSEF ISLAND WILDLIFE & WILDFLOWERS

14 DAYS - Departs June 2014 From $25,685pp10% OFF CRUISE PRICE IF YOU BOOK BEFORE 10 MARCH 2013!

JUMP ON BOARD THESE GREAT CRUISE SPECIALS

ESCORTED SMALL GROUP TOURS

Around The GlobeTravel Master’s Operations Manager, Neil Kirby recently returned from a cruise on-board the latest visitor to Australia’s shores – the ‘Celebrity Solstice’.

He shared his thoughts for Wanderings.

The 9th December 2012 saw me sailing into Sydney’s beautiful and iconic harbour on board one of the newest, largest and most luxurious ships ever to sail into Australian waters - ‘Celebrity Solstice’.

Did I mention how BIG! At 122,000 tons the Celebrity Solstice is the length of three soccer fields and if it stood upright it would be the same height as the Eiffel Tower. Despite her size the ‘Celebrity Solstice’ only carries 2,850 passengers and is equipped with all the ‘smart’ technology. 85 per cent of the rooms have private balconies, interactive flat screen televisions with on demand movies and Wi-Fi capability

The ‘Celebrity Solstice’ takes the dining experience to a whole new level with the dining options truly spectacular. The main dining venue, the Grand Epernay, is a stunning experience with white tables, walls and pillars accented by a silver chandelier and railings over glass panels. Alternative dining rooms Muranos, Tuscan Grille and Silk Road as well as other themed rooms including the wine bar Tastings, each have their own distinctive and decorative flair. The martini bar named “Crush” features an ice covered bar top to keep your drink cool to the last sip.

Above the eatery and pool decks is the Lawn Club, featuring the first growth of live grass at sea. On the lawn you will find bocce ball, a putting green and croquet while next door is the “Hot Glass Show” with live glass-blowing demonstrations held every day.

Evening entertainment begins in the Solstice Theatre, which features three different shows, a full cast of singers and dancers on every cruise and state-of-the-art stage techniques such as flying characters over the audience, lasers, pyrotechnics and more.

Overall, the ‘Celebrity Solstice’ is a spacious premium ship with plenty of dining options and an active nightlife; a relaxing but elegant on-board ambience.

The ‘Celebrity Solstice’ remains in Australian waters until April, then returns in October for another season. Make sure you check it out and you won’t be disappointed!

RUSSIA & UKRAINE

SENSATIONAL TOUR• 5 Star Accommodation • Most Meals • Comprehensive Sightseeing • Great EntertainmentShanghai, Suzhou, Nanjing, Beijing, Pingyao, Xian, Guilin, Yangshuo, Lijiang, Chengdu

VARIED CULTURAL EXPERIENCES & ALL THE ICONS• Great Wall, • Giant Pandas, • Terracotta Warriors, • Li River Cruise, • Ethnic Minority Peoples

21 Days - Departs 6 May 2013COST: ex Brisbane $7,850pp incl tips

NORTH POLEARCTIC ADVENTURE

EUROPENORTH & SOUTH

CHINAA PLATINUM EXPERIENCE

VISIT US FOR ALL OF YOUR CURRENCY NEEDS - THE BEST RATES, ALL DAY, EVERYDAY!

February/March 2013

Q Super Centre, Mermaid Waters

PH (07) 5572 7272Cnr Cotton & Ferry Sts, Nerang

PH (07) 5572 7272

Beachcomber Resort Arcade122 Griffith St, Coolangatta

PH (07) 5572 7272

www.travelmasters.com.au | www.facebook.com/TravelMastersGoldCoast

A FRIENDLY REMINDER...WE ARE A REPRESENTATIVE FOR THE FOLLOWING:

The Discerning TravellerThe Discerning Traveller is a new column where we examine those unique and exclusive properties from around the world that are sure to appeal!

Grasmere LodgeCanterbury, ChristchurchNEW ZEALAND

A former High Country sheep station near Arthur’s Pass in the heart of New Zealand’s Southern Alps. Grasmere Lodge has been transformed over the years and now combines a genuine taste of rural New Zealand with ultra-sumptuous accommodation, a pool, a spa, wine-tasting, fine-dining, lots of leisure opportunities and a stable full of horses.

The original homestead of Grasmere Station is still at the core of Grasmere Lodge, yet little rusticity remains. The entire place has the feel of a grand country mansion with large guest rooms and picture windows with breathtaking views. In the public rooms, wood and stone walls blend with tartan carpets, chesterfield sofas and working fireplaces.

COST: From $1894 per room per night

Contact our consultants for more information on this beautiful property and to organise your New Zealand holiday!

wanderingstravel newsletter

VILLAGE PEOPLE•THE TEMPTATIONS•

•THE SUPREMES••MARICA HINES • LEO SAYER•

•JOHN PAUL YOUNG•ALL INCLUSIVE 7 NIGHT LUXURIOUS

‘RHAPSODY OF THE SEAS’ CRUISE OF THE SOUTH PACIFIC ISLANDS.

RELIVE THE GOLDEN DAYS OF DISCO FROM THE 60’s THE MOTOWN SOUND, THE SENSATIONAL 70’s, THE ELECTRIC 80’s, THE 90’s & EVEN INTO

THE NOUGHTIES WITH A LIST OF SPECIAL GUESTS!

MAKE A MOVE ON THE DANCE FLOOR!

7 NIGHTS - Departs Sydney - 5 Oct 2013SYDNEY - ISLE OF PINES - NOUMEA

Twin Share from $1,956pp

LEE KERNAGHAN•TROY CASSAR-DALEY•

•GINA JEFFERYS • ADAM HARVEY• •AMBER LAWRENCE•

•& MANY MORE!•ALL INCLUSIVE 7 NIGHT LUXURIOUS

‘RHAPSODY OF THE SEAS’ CRUISE OF THE SOUTH PACIFIC ISLANDS.

CRUISING WITH YOU WILL BE 12 OF THE BEST AUSTRALIAN COUNTRY MUSIC ARTISTS. PLUS

THERE’S LINE, CLOGGING & SQUARE DANCING LESSONS AND PERFORMANCES.

THE BEST COUNTRY MUSIC EXPERIENCE YOU’LL EVER HAVE!

7 NIGHTS - Departs Sydney - 12 Oct 2013 SYDNEY - ISLE OF PINES - NOUMEA

Twin Share from $1,956pp

CRUISE N GROOVE

CRUISINCOUNTRY

AMERICAN EXPRESS CARD HOLDER?USE YOUR MEMBERSHIP REWARD POINTS TRAVEL ANYWHERE, ANYTIME AND PAY USING YOUR AMERICAN EXPRESS MEMBERSHIP REWARD.

ASK US HOW!

UPCOMING EVENTSNORTH KOREA PRESENTATION

Thursday 21 March 2013 at 7PMVENUE: Broadbeach Senior Citizens Centre - T.E Peters Drive, Broadbeach

RSVP: online: www.travelmasters.com.au/events or Rhiannan Ph: (07) 5596 0511LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MYSTERIOUS HERMIT NATION!