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While on the Tour we stayed in Baikalsk (southern part of Lake Baikal) and travelled to various places of interests like Arshan – Resort Village in Buryatia where we visited Kyngyrga River Waterfall.

We have joined an Escorted Baikal Tour from Novosibirsk.
We arrived to Irkutsk by train, it takes 2 nights to travel on the way passing big Siberian City of Krasnoyarsk, small towns, villages and dacha’s (summer domains), observing never ending ocean of trees as well as Ivan Chai plantations (Tea plant).
On the train we had a chance of getting to know its passengers, many of them tourists from European Countries travelling to Baikal, Russia’s Far East or to Mongolia, China.

Arrived Irkutsk in the morning, had a sightseeing tour and headed to Taltsy Village – Open air Wooden Architecture Museum where tourists can enter historical houses and see how people used to live in Siberian Villages, see all clothes, furniture, tools and other objects of everyday life.

On another day – Journey to the mountain range of Hamar-Daban along the Solzan Mountain River.The walk passed through lush green forests, majestic mountains, we had picnic by the river and our guides preapred tea on the campfire with the addition of Baikal Herbs.

There was 2 more tours – boat /walking to Circumbaikal Railway, a part of Trans Siberian Railway built in the beginning of the 20th Century, historical-architectural monument, the structure with the number of tunnels, galleries and bridges- all this at the edge of the coastline, a favourite place of rest and travel of tourists.

And a Tour to amazing 3 Warm Lakes where we had a chance to swim, sunbathe, ride on catamarans.

The Tour was really well paced with different activities every day, it showed Baikal more in depth than usual Trans Siberan 2 or 3 day stopover.

Las Vegas was such an amazing experience for me.

My dream was that when my husband & I had reached our 10 year wedding anniversary. We would go to Vegas & do our Elvis Presley vowel renewal. It is a memory that I will never forget. We had so much fun. The night life never ends so many different types of people to meet. So much to see & do. During our short stay, we were able to do a helicopter ride, through the Grand Canyon, while having champagne. We also flew past the Vegas strip on sunset. Shows are endless; we had had the chance to see Circus De Sol La at the MGM Grand. Walking the strip late at night, seeing Vegas for what it is renowned for, lighting, people, Casino’s, endless alcohol, buildings, such as the Bellagio, Eiffel Tower, MGM, Statue of Liberty and Caesars Palace, that’s only a few to say the least. It takes approximately 4.5 hours to walk the strip, most definitely a good work out.

I recently escorted a group of 27 passengers to the Larapinta Trail in our very own Alice Springs, Northern Territory.

Flew
Our group flew business class with Qantas on what was the “perfect short trip” with excellent service and meals.

Stay
Sleeping as one does in the outback, my group slept under the stars in swags. At the campsite, meals were prepared either by a fire pit or a 2-gas cook top and the facilities for the first 2 days had showers and toilets. The remaining 2 days had very basic facilities. Most national parks of each sections had drop toilets, with no showers and toilets available.

Activities
We completed an 82 kilometre trek through the Larapinta Trail: section 10, 11 & 12 with an amazing scenery of the outback, including: the West MacDonnell Ranges, Ormiston Gorge, Finke river, Redbank Gorge and a sunrise on Mount Sonder.

Recommendations
If you love to walk or hike, this is definitely something to tick off your bucket list. There is nothing like getting away from all the technology and getting back to nature. Given the nature of the hike, this would suit experienced walkers only, not recommended for beginners.

Burgundy and Provence River Cruise with Avalon Waterways

With excited anticipation and grand expectations, we set sail on the luxurious Avalon Passion bound for the Cote D’Azur along the Rhone River.

Rather than joining the cruise in Paris, we chose to head east first for an immersive road trip through Champagne regions of France and the Bavarian forests. An insider tip is to visit the UNESCO World Heritage when visiting Europe. The colourful half-timbered houses of Strasbourg evoke images of a fairy tale stories. Wondering through cobbled stone street gazing into shop windows it is hard not to resist the temptation to buy a one of a kind ceramic or curio that will start endless conversations back home.

The only down side of not joining the River Cruise in Paris is having to make our way to St Jean de Losne. After a little research we catch the train from the Gare de Dijon for a 40minute trip on the TVG our embarkation point. The Sofitel in Dijon is superb. It is an easy walk from the hotel to the Maille Dijon Mustard shop to stock up on old favourites and discover new taste sensations.

All the while anticipation is mounting; will the Avalon Passion be as good as the advertisements, will we find ourselves immersed in the cultural delights of Burgundy, will the food on board be as sumptuous as friends have told us, will we meet soul mates on the trip that will become life-long friends.

The sight of the Panoramic Suite leaves me heady as they invite us to join our fellow travellers for canapes and drinks in the lounge. We meet an American couple and after a short while find them so much like us we spend countless hours wondering the medieval streets of Burgundy with them as we discover hidden alleys that open-up to reveal unexpected photo opportunities.

In Lyon the camera takes a back seat to the gastronomic delights in front of us, with over 50 chocolatiers we choose Bernachon. Though the Bernachon is primarily a chocolatarie, the cakes and pastries in the window are so hypnotic they must be sampled with fine tea, uumm soo good!

The view from the Basilica of Notre Dame de Fouriere is so breathtaking it is difficult to fit into any single photo as much as I try to capture what my mind’s eye has already stored to reminisce about in the years to come.

On board, the food is so good I want to try everything on the menu but first, time to debrief over fine wine before our tour director fills our heads with details of the next days shore excursion. Oh no, I must choose one but which one. After a quick round table conference, we settle on one.

In their advertisement Avalon say:

‘We transform tourists into travellers and storytellers and help them truly experience each destination with guided sightseeing in every port (complete with headsets), daily port lectures, VIP access into key destinations, no waiting in lines and great cultural immersion and storytelling thanks to highly skilled Cruise and Tour …’

I have to agree. I like to explore each site at my own pace. With the headsets I can linger for a photo and not miss any of our knowledgeable guides insights and advice.

On to Avignon to see the Pont Saint-Bénézet and the Palace of the Popes but the first thing that fills you gaze are the Ramparts of Avignon. Handouts are available each day that include a map, a short history of the destination and a list of best things to see. A quick chat, the tour director convinces us to embark on our own to explore the shops after the initial orientation walk with the city guide. That is one of the good things about Avalon, they allow you to choose how you want to experience each destination. Two young Japanese girls choose to explore the city on the complimentary bicycles.

Each destination on the cruise includes an unforgettable place to visit. Arles is no exception. In the Arles Amphitheatre come bullring we watch school children re-enacting a gladiatorial battle of Roman times with costumes tutors. Our guide provides our own Van Gough Tour that includes a visit to the hospital where he spent time in during a period of mental illness that proved to be the most creative of his career. Van Gough trinket and prints are available from the Café at the Hospital,

The cruise officially ended for us in Arles. From there we boarded a coach for Monte Carlo, a journey of over three hours.

Monte Carlo is everything you imagine and more. At the time we visited Monaco the street scape was being transformed into a Grand Prix Circuit. The view from our room at The Fairmont Monte Carlo quickly found its way on to Facebook and Instagram. Tips: best way to see all of Monte Carlo at you own pace is to catch the hop-on hop-of bus. Make sure to visit the Old Town and watch the changing of the guard in front of the Palais du Prince at 11:55 am each day. Get there early as the area can get quite crowded then chose from any of the alfresco restaurants on the cobbled stoned alley near the palace. The old town is also one of the best spots to take panoramic photos in Monaco.

Put Avalon Waterways Burgundy and Provence Cruise on your bucket list. The cuisine onboard is exceptional and is fully complimented with a superb selection of fine wines. The service is beyond expectations without being intrusive. The Panorama Suites are well appointed, comfortable and make it a pleasure to return to after a great day exploring. The day trips were well thought out and the information provided by the city guides is excellent.

The Wifi on board can be little patchy at times given that you are river cruising. Take your own internet connected device as it really helps when you are exploring on your own and need to navigate to Café or pastry shop. Pack for the season you are travelling but also make sure you have a good wind/waterproof jacket just in case. In summer sunscreen is essential.

Tell family and friends to join you on a trip of a lifetime with an Avalon River Cruise and our tip is to combine it with a visit to the Champagne and Alsace Region.

My wife and I travelled to the Riviera Maya in Mexico as a side trip on our recent visit to the USA. After a short flight from Los Angeles, we embarked on a wonderful trip , staying at the Fairmont Mayacoba in five star luxury, snorkelling through underground rivers in Xcaret Park, and exploring the ancient ruins at Chichen Itza, Coba and Tulum. The turquoise waters of the Caribbean are breathtakingly beautiful and what better way to experience it than in your own beachside cabana as you sip pina-coladas and try exotic cuisine. All this  for not much more than  the cost of travelling from Sydney to the Sunshine Coast for a week.

Snorkelling through underground rivers at Xcaret Park – Riviera Maya Mexico

Fairmont Mayacoba – Mexico

Ruins of Tulum

Words by Britt Melville from Miss Word

Let me take you on a tour of Incredible India. Together, our group of travellers uncovered its quiet magic and shared once-in-a-lifetime moments in this extraordinary country.

A wonderful group of travellers in front of the amazing Delhi at the Qutab Minar Mosque.

 “Home to nearly one fifth of the world’s population, India is a country bursting with people, contrasting landscapes and colour. Somewhere you might think intimate travel experiences would be hard to find. Together, our group of travellers uncovered its quiet magic and shared once-in-a-lifetime moments in this extraordinary country.” – Nicole Beasley

DELIGHTFULLY ORDERED CHAOS- DELHI

Giant copper hands greeted us as we entered the customs hall of Delhi’s T3 international terminal. Classical gestures used in art, dance and yoga: each hand mudra offers rich meaning and a different path to enlightenment. Under these ancient symbols of blessing and joy, after months of excitement and planning, our group of sixteen gathered and said, “Let the adventure begin!” Nothing quite prepares you for your first taste of Delhi traffic. The ordered chaos is a sight to behold. Peak hour was still going strong at 11pm as we left the airport for our hotel. After a night’s rest, we began our first day in India with a quiet walk through Old Delhi’s Jama Masjid (the Old Mosque). Wrapped in colourful smocks, circled overhead by kite birds, we explored the ancient halls and courtyards, its 400 year-old cool marble under our feet. From there we joined the Salaam Baalak Trust City Walk – a guided tour through Old Delhi – conducted by young men who once lived on the streets. Our guides Kursheed, Lalit and Sanjay shared fascinating details about the history and daily life in the Old City; and gave us a unique view of the world through their eyes.

YOUNG BOYS RESCUED

Together we navigated Chandni Chowk’s labyrinth of narrow lanes on foot and by rickshaw, past vegetable sellers; row after row of fabric and kinari (ribbon and trim) shops; down alleys lined with paper makers and stationery suppliers (Old Delhi’s version of Officeworks); ending with a tour of the colourful Spice Market. All under the watchful eyes of monkeys perched on power lines above, waiting for someone to pass up their lunch.

Later, we visited one of Salaam Baalak Trust’s six residential care shelters and met more young boys rescued from Delhi’s streets and learned how the Trust works to fill the missing gaps – by providing food, security, health, education and love – to these vulnerable children. Over the years, Salaam Baalak Trust has helped thousands of children to first imagine, and then go on to live, a life defined by possibility and hope instead of exploitation and abuse. It also runs an outreach program in slum areas and crowded places to help children at risk. Most of us had recently seen the film Lion; and now there we were, surrounded by beautiful boys like Saroo, aged 5 – 17, each with their own story to tell. Shy at first, they were soon showering us with high fives and eager to pose for photos. Months later, their smiles and stories are still having a profound impact on us all. Read more about the Trust’s work here www.salaambaalaktrust.com

Experiencing the royal history of Rajasthan at Rambagh Palace, once the residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur.

MAGICAL RISHIKESH – HOME OF YOGA IN THE HIMALAYAS

Changing gears, the next day we travelled north to Rishikesh, the spiritual home of yoga in the foothills of the Himalayas. By day, this mythical town vibrates with the sound of meditation halls and market sellers; and by night, with the bells of aarti ceremonies dotted along the River Ganges. In Hindu mythology, the Ganges is considered the mother of mankind. Pilgrims come to wash away their sins with a single dip in the icy cold river. We gave our thanks to Mother Ganges by floating marigold pujas (offerings) instead! For the next two days we joined yogis from ninety different countries attending the International Yoga Festival at Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh’s largest ashram, where peachy-coloured walls and mosaic walkways lead you through neatly kept gardens to the various yoga halls. The beauty of the Yoga Festival is its open program. All levels are welcome and registration allows entry to any of the sessions, giving you the chance to discover different types of yoga, meditation, music and healing talks from local teachers and visiting international gurus, many with rock star followings. Some early birds braced the chilly mountain air for pre-dawn yoga; while others joined in later after some pampering at Ganga Kinare, our gorgeous boutique hotel on the banks of the Ganges. In the evenings, we floated back over Lakshman Jhula, the town’s iconic, pedestrian suspension bridge, to swap stories from the day’s events. The magical evening aarti ceremonies conducted by students monks are not to be missed. Swathed in rich red robes, with their mesmerising chants, bells and lamps, the aarti ceremonies of Rishikesh provided just a glimpse of the devotion that takes place along the length of the great Ganges every night.

A celebration performance of the Ganges at the International Yoga Festival in Rishikesh Images.

AGRA FORT AND THE TAJ MAHAL

Fresh from our experience in Rishikesh, we caught our first glimpse of India’s most famous sights from our mats at a special sunrise yoga class; and spent the rest of the morning immersed in the culture, architecture and history of the Taj Mahal. The most recognisable of all India’s world heritage architectural sites, the breathtaking ivory mausoleum was built to house the tomb of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan’s favourite wife in 1632. What a woman she must have been! Later, the red sandstone of Agra Fort provided an equally stunning backdrop to more stories and people watching; while a visit to a local marble factory added to the memory bank, with beautiful mementos of our trip.

Montage of happy travellers in beautiful locations. An unforgettable experience.

HAPPY HOLI! A FESTIVAL OF LOVE AND COLOUR LIKE NO OTHER

Incredible images of people drenched in colour have put the Holi festival – also known as the colour festival – firmly on the travellers’ map. While this ancient Hindu festival officially marks the arrival of Spring; Holi also celebrates good over evil and many other traditions in honour of Lord Krishna. It’s a time to dance, laugh and forgive; a rare occasion where women and men play freely as equals, showering each other with coloured powder as they celebrate long into the night. After Agra, we travelled to the Braj region, an area famous for its Holi celebrations. Ready for adventure, we journeyed from our hotel in Mathura through green fields to the village of Nandgaon, where Krishna was raised, passing a steady stream of scooters and overloaded vehicles filled with people showing off their Holi coloured hair, clothes and faces. There were more than a few nervous giggles as we tried to imagine just what was in store for us.

At Holi time, the usual bustle of village life is replaced by a supercharged, playful energy reserved for the annual festival. We arrived in the village centre and followed the drum beats, music and shouts up ahead, drawn along with the rest of the crowd. Within seconds, were transformed into walking rainbows – changing colour every few steps as more pranksters emerged with a new colour of powder or water guns to decorate our once-clean clothes. Ambushes from above were common. Even the local police were in on the act! The joy of Holi lies in surrendering to the colour and chaos – and we did exactly that. Later, after we’d scrubbed our bodies clean, our wonderful group sat down to dinner. Tired, colour-stained faces framed by incongruously white-toothed smiles. We were all still buzzing from the sights and sounds of the day. The spontaneous dancing outside the Shriji temple; the hypnotic music and drums that moved our bodies along on our behalf; the sight of coloured powder flying in rainbow arcs across the village square. Most of all, being wished “Happy Holi!” by beautiful, smiling, colourful strangers everywhere.

Happy Holi! Loved sharing this amazing experience with such a fab group of girls.

THE PINK CITY – JAIPUR

The last days of our India tour were spent visiting Rajasthan, literally the Land of Kings, so it seemed fitting to stay at a former regal residence, the exquisite Shaphura House, in Jaipur. Beyond its walled gardens, we discovered a sanctuary. Room after room of marbled floors, chandeliers and fine upholstery; corridors lined with framed collectables and photographs of the royal family; copper urns filled daily with fresh flowers. Smiling staff hovering discreetly in their finely tailored uniforms. Divine detail everywhere we looked. As the capital of India’s largest state, Jaipur is culturally rich and steeped in history. Known as the ‘Pink City’ after the building hues of the old town, it also boasts excellent boutique and market shopping bursting with vibrant colour and life, unique restaurants and countless places to take a break while sightseeing. Afternoon tea at the Rambagh Place and dinner at the much-photographed Bar Palladio topped our list of elegant retreats. Over the next few days, we immersed ourselves in the history, stopping by the Jal Mahal (the Water Palace), Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) with its stunning red sandstone façade built to screen the royal ladies from view, Jantar Mantar (the Maharaja’s City Palace) and a visit to Amber Fort. Perched high on a hillside, surrounded by lakes and uninterrupted views, it was easy to see why Amber Fort was chosen as the site for the former royal palace. We climbed to the top, perched in baskets carried by sweet, middle-aged ladies and their gentle mahouts. (The all-female elephants of Amber Fort carry morning visitors up the slope; afternoon visitors have to walk.) Inside, the captivating mosaics of the Hall of Mirrors was a highlight.

Later, we visited local workshops to see artisans creating stunning block prints and traditional carpets. It was humbling to watch the weavers squatting in front of their looms, their hands a blur as they tied row after row of tiny knots at lightning speed, creating perfect colour combinations and pattern symmetry. Just a sample of the handicrafts available in Jaipur. MEMORIES AND FRIENDSHIP Returning home from a trip like this, the question we often get asked is, “What was the highlight?” Travelling to a remarkable place such as India, there are so many daily highlights, it’s hard to pick just one. Was it the ever-present smiles of our guides Nitin, Kapil and Kamal who shared their knowledge and friendship with our group? Was it bumping into cows in the street as we shopped the markets of Jaipur? (Holy cow, you really do have to watch your step!) Or the gracious flower seller who rescued us from the slippery steps of the Ganges with her sweet, knowing smile? The small moments tally up to create an overall memory of laughter and gratitude. Of treasured friendships formed among our group of incredible women. And I can’t wait to do it all again in 2018.

 Exploring Shahpura Hotel in Jaipur, flaunting shades of history with stunning and royal decor.