Deals of the week: Alaskan cruise; APT tour; Camino walk; Chanel in Melbourne
Stay local on a private jet tour of some of Australia’s best-known destinations or walk a section of the Camino pack-free.
Take a hike
France
Life’s an Adventure has savings of $300 a person for early-bird bookings on its pack-free French Camino Highlights Walk. This guided journey takes guests on an eight-day stroll from medieval town Le Puy to St Jean Pied De Port in the Pyrenees. Included are seven overnight stays at one-of-a-kind chateaux and hotels, meals and luggage transfers.
Fine print Departs May 31 and Sept-ember 1, 2022; from $4995 a person, twin-share, book by January 31.
North to…
Alaska
Take advantage of big savings on Crystal Cruises’ Alaskan Wonders voyage through the Inside Passage. Crystal Serenity departs Vancouver to explore fjords and glaciers en route to Anchorage. Visit Ketchikan, the world’s salmon capital, take in the wonders of Misty Fjords National Monument by seaplane and see the former gold rush town of Skagway.
Fine print Departs June 23, 2022; from $4580 a person, twin-share, with savings of up to $840 a person.
Fashion forward
Melbourne
Celebrate the life of fashion queen Coco Chanel on a four-day Academy Travel tour. A private viewing of the NGV’s Chanel exhibition with fashion historian Anna Lebovic, visits to the museums and galleries of the Yarra Valley and a performance at Melbourne Theatre Company are all on the agenda. Accommodation is at the five-star Langham Melbourne.
Fine print From $3465 a person, twin-share; departs January 31 and February 3, 2022.
Around about
Australia
Fly to some of Australia’s best-known destinations on a 16-day private jet round trip from Melbourne. APT’s Icons of Australia itinerary includes a cruise on Coffin Bay, sunset sailing in Darwin, sunrise viewing of Uluru and snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef. There are winery lunches in the Barossa and Margaret River, all while staying in luxury accommodation.
Fine print Departs May 13, June 17 and August 19, 2022; from $15,995 a person; save up to $2000 a couple.
In the news
Cunard will celebrate Australia’s culinary diversity on a five-night return cruise. With a program featuring dinners, demonstrations and shore excursions, Queen Elizabeth will embark from Sydney on January 28, 2023, sailing to Melbourne and Burnie in Tasmania. Special guests to be announced; from $1799 a person, twin-share, for a balcony stateroom.
Nobu will open its fourth hotel and restaurant in Spain in the Michelin-starred dining mecca of San Sebastian. The hospitality group, launched by Japanese chef Nobu Matsuhisa, actor Robert De Niro and film producer Meir Teper, plans to open the property in March 2023. It will have 20 guestrooms and suites and a 98-seat eatery.
Naladhu Private Island in The Maldives has reopened after undergoing a six-month revamp during the pandemic. The island is an intimate hideaway with just 20 houses, each with a private pool and 24-hour butler service.
HeliSpirit has teamed up with Balanggarra Ventures and Indigenous leaders to offer three-night air safaris to parts of the East Kimberley normally inaccessible during wet season. Heli fishing and rock art are featured activities. Available February and March next year; $3995 a person, all inclusive.