Archive for category Product Updates

The Romance of Rail Travel by Goway

Goway Travel, a leading North American Travel Wholesaler, encourages travelers to experience the romance of rail travel through legendary and unique journeys throughout a range of exotic destinations. The selection of journeys include the longest rail journey in the world, a journey aboard an Orient-Express train, and one of the world renowned trains which journeys through Southern Africa.

“Goway offers a wide range of travel experiences throughout the South Pacific, Asia, Africa and Latin America” commented Emma Cottis, Product and Marketing Manager of Goway Travel, “and rail travel is truly an exceptional experience. You experience landscapes, fine dining and unique accommodations that most people miss by flying between destinations”

In fact many of the rail journeys are built into some of Goway’s most popular travel itineraries. In Australia, Goway’s “Holiday of a Lifetime”, the Waltzing Matilda, includes an optional journey between Alice Springs and Adelaide aboard The Ghan. The ultimate journey through the heart of the continent is also available connecting right through to Darwin. Travelers can enjoy two nights and marvel at the spectacular Australian landscapes; from the rusty reds of the Red Centre, then north to Katherine and the tropical splendor of Darwin.

In Asia, the Eastern & Oriental Express journey is more than just a connection between cities, including excursions to destinations such as the River Kwai. The tropical weather encourages passengers to stroll to the Observation carriage at the rear of the train to enjoy the scenery and a cool breeze. A subtle balance of Eastern culture and cuisine and Western comforts whilst traveling in style and experiencing the many and mystical wonders of Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia. The style and splendor of the E&O, with its elegant compartments, delicious cuisine and superb service, combined with the adventure of a journey through the heart of Asia, provide a unique travel experience.

With interiors created by a leading interior architectural design company, The Blue Train rivals many a five-star hotel in terms of elegance, grace, comfort and style. This Southern African travel experience offers journeys throughout South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe, and can be customized into any journey planned by Goway’s AfricaExperts.

Goway Features Luxury in Asia

In conjunction with their latest extensive Travel Planner being launched this month, Goway’s Asia division has launched some decadent, luxury travel ideas that complement their existing “Stays of Distinction”.

Focusing on convenience and service, the two new products include luxury expedition cruises and a spectacular transcontinental rail journey, with an opportunity for agents to offer exclusive deals to their clients as well as rewards for themselves.

Orion is a 5 Star luxury small ship cruise experience offering 50 spacious ocean view suites with marble bathrooms and quality fittings and furnishings, an onboard Jacuzzi spa and boutique salon. Each expedition sailing includes on board presentations by experts in the region. Cruise options include a visit to Camp Leakey in Borneo to the Gulf of Siam, to Vietnam and the temples of Thailand. There are many exotic cruise itineraries to choose from at www.goway.com/orion.

As an incentive, all new bookings made from 17 February to 31 March 2011 will include a $250 per person on board stateroom credit.

Due to demand for luxury rail journeys, Goway now features a 13 day trip along the iconic Trans-Siberian rail lines that have traditionally only been available by standard train. Starting in either Beijing or Moscow, this comfortable tour by special charter takes the traveller far into the Mongolian Gobi Desert. From there, they travel right through Russia – from Lake Baikal, the unique World Heritage Site and the oldest and deepest lake in the world in Siberia to majestic Moscow.

The sophisticated program aboard the Tsar’s Gold, the wide variety of sightseeing tours and exceptionally well-informed and competent tour guides, will turn Globetrotters’ journeys into an unforgettable experience.

“The historic route between Beijing, Lake Baikal and Moscow is the heart of all travel variants and also offers stops in Ulaan Bataar, Irkutsk, Novosibirsk and Kazan ” says Diane Molzan, General Manager for Asia. “Travellers will enjoy the dramatic changes of scenery and savour Europe’s and Asia’s most superb landscapes aboard the train. ”

On board, guests will enjoy caviar and vodka tasting as they sit back and listen to daily lectures on the culture of the people they visit. The staterooms are well appointed, and guests can relax in comfort as the train makes its journey through this incredible region.

For 2011, new bookings deposited between 17 February to 31 March 2011 earn agents an additional 1% commission on their Goway Incentive Card.

Set Departures For Goway’s Peru

The exclusive Latin America division of 40 year old Goway Travel announces set departures for its most popular Peru trip.

“Peru remains one of our biggest selling destinations in Latin America. Drawing on my experience as an expedition guide and the obvious appeal of some of the worlds most well known sights – Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, Colca Canyon Cusco and the Sacred Valley – we created our Grand Comfort Peru and our Classic Comfort trips.” states Don Forster, Product & Marketing Manager for Goway’s Latin America division.

“Offering the very best of southern Peru, these two itineraries offer the complete experience – 16 days with Lake Titicaca and Machu Picchu AND the Amazon Jungle – $3480 CAD per person or the classic – 13 days with Lake Titicaca and Machu Picchu – $3080CAD per person. By offering set departures for these popular trips we are now able to offer reduced pricing based on a minimum of 6 travellers”

“Few destinations have as much to offer visitors as Peru, an astonishingly varied country. Here you’ll find panoramic mountain ranges, vast deserts, beautiful beaches and tropical jungle, not to mention rich history, archaeology, wildlife and enduring indigenous cultures.” continues Forster.

These trips are ideal for travellers looking to experience the best of Southern Peru in just 13 or 16 days (with the Amazon Jungle), plus have the opportunity to visit the spiritual and mystical Machu Picchu.

The Latin America travel planner prominently features all of these amazing trips as well as a complete choice of travel ideas in Central and South America.

Goway offers Convenient Cruising

Goway Travel, a leading North American Tour Operator offers a wide range of worldwide boutique small vessel cruises. The selection of cruises offers an intimate experience with personalized service. When compared to a independent tour, cruising offers a cost effective and convenient method of travel; unpacking just once, cruises typically include sightseeing excursions and all meals.

“Goway offers a wide range of cruises throughout the South Pacific, Asia, Africa and Latin America, as well as unique destinations such as the Galapagos and Antarctica” commented Emma Cottis, Product and Marketing Manager of Goway Travel, “and cruising is truly an exceptional experience. You experience landscapes, fine dining and unique accommodations that most people miss by flying between destinations”

In the South Pacific, Goway offers expedition cruising aboard Orion, a purpose built vessel offering 5 star experiences. Orion offers expeditions throughout the year to Australia’s Kimberley, Arnhem Land, Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand. Five night itineraries onboard the Orion on the east coast of Australia start at $3160pp twin share. Also available are the Coral Princess & Oceanic Discoverer, expedition ships large enough to provide all the comforts of larger ships yet small enough to access reef and island sites not available to other vessels. Carrying no more than 72 passengers these ships offer environmental cruise experiences that are both personal and memorable. Prices for a 12 night cruise around New Zealand start from $7198pp.

Orion has recently commenced cruises in Asia, including Borneo, Thailand and Indochina, plus Japan and Russia. For more information on these cruises, request Goway’s 2011 Asia Travel Planner.

Cruising in Fiji is one of the best ways to visit this delightful island destination. 3, 4 or 7 night itineraries cruising through the Yasawa Islands offer air conditioned accommodation, all meals and the option of many activities – village visits, snorkeling, snorkeling & watersports to name a few. The onboard atmosphere is casual and relaxed, the sunsets are spectacular and cuisine is superb. A four day Cruise starts from only $1163.

Travellers looking for a truly unique destination may consider cruising Antarctica past towering mountains, white and azure bergs, penguins nesting by the thousands, and the vast wilderness. Antarctica is at its best during the brief but brilliant summer season, visiting stunning penguin rookeries, historical ruins and volcanic islands. With six full days on the Antarctic Peninsula, cruises allow ample time to enjoy some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. Prices start from $9710.

Goway’s Small Group Touring in the Middle East

Goway has expanded its offering of Egypt, Jordan and Israel, three countries with amazing contrasts as well as spectacular highlights, in its Middle East Treasures, a 22 day tour from North America.

Highlights in Egypt include the Pyramids and the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, a Nile Cruise, a visit to Abu Simbel and a visit to the unique scenery of the Sinai Peninsula including the famous St. Catherine’s Monastery. New is a stopover for 2 nights in the Red Sea resort of Sharm El Sheikh to give passengers a refreshingly different experience.

In Jordan, there is a Jeep tour of Wadi Rum and a full day at Petra plus visits to the Dead Sea, the ancient Roman site of Jerash and a stop in the capital, Amman.

Israel offers Jerusalem including a viewing of the Dead Sea Scrolls, a side trip to Bethlehem, time to float in the Dead Sea, and a visit to the ancient site of Massada, a visit to a Kibbutz, a cruise on Lake Galilee plus Nazareth, Haifa and Tel Aviv.

As always, Goway includes its trademark inclusions such as Exclusive Fun Themes including Food and Wine, Geography and History, Lifestyles and Local Culture, all tipping (except the Tour Director), a quality Travel Companion booklet with a wealth of destination information which is provided before departure, a souvenir group photograph at the end of the tour and a single share option. The maximum size of any group is 20 passengers.

Goway prides itself on having the very best professional tour directors, and this is not just another tour but one of the HOLIDAYS OF A LIFETIME series. Prices are from CA$8999 per person from Toronto. Prices from other Canadian cities are available on request.

Goway Focuses on Family

Goway’s AFRICAExperts is expanding their range of family-focused experiences and now offers an 11-day overland family tour. The Cape Wildlife Family Adventures tour starts in Cape Town and includes attractions such as the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, Boulders Beach and its penguin colony, the Two Oceans Aquarium, the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront and the Cape Winelands, with a visit to the Cheetah Outreach Facility at Spier. Time spent in Oudshoorn includes visits to Cango Wildlife Ranch, the Cango Caves and Safari Ostrich Farm. The Elephant Sanctuary, Monkeyland and Birds of Eden in Kynsna, the Addo Elephant Park and Tsitsikamma Forest highlight the Eastern Cape. Prices start from $3131CA for adults and just $1489CA for children.

With multi-generational travel on the increase Goway has recognized the need for child-friendly family experiences that the whole family can enjoy. They have identified properties and safari lodges that offer specialized game drives for children, expert baby sitters and educational experiences. Shamwari in the Eastern Cape, Shiduli near Hoedspruit, and Grootbos Private Nature Reserve in the Western Cape are all uniquely equipped to cater for families of all ages. Sun City in the Bushveld of South Africa’s North West Province offers fun and entertainment for young and old. These include Chirp Parties for the teens, Kamp Kwena Fort for younger children, the Valley of the Waves (the only subtropical water adventure park in Africa), the adventure playground and Animal World.

Goway Offers Antarctica in a Day

Antarctica in a DayThe exclusive Latin America division of 40 year old Goway Travel, announces the availability of day trips to Antarctica from Chile.

“Antarctica has proven to be of our most popular destinations from the inception of our Latin division and as the economic times improve, there has been a marked increase in Antarctica as a destination of choice for travellers.” states Don Forster, Product & Marketing Manager for Latin America.

“With that increase in demand we are also seeing many passengers who cannot dedicate the time for a traditional Antarctic expedition cruise, or the “bucket list” client who literally wants to just set foot on the continent!

Departing from Punta Arenas, Chile and flying over Cape Horn and the mythical waters of the Drake Passage, in less than 2 hours of flying clients arrive at King George Island, the largest Island of the South Shetland Archipelago, where they enter the realm of the white continent.

The air fleet consists of three planes designed specifically for flying on this route, including the BAe-146 or the Beechkraft King Air 100.

Clients then spend a day exploring in and around the Frei Research station before re boarding their plane and returning to Punta Arenas. There is also a choice to overnight and experience a 2-day Antarctica option.” continues Forster.

Day trips start from $3295CAD and the overnight option from $4370CAD.

Full details on the Fly to Antarctica – Antarctica in a day can be found here.

For full details on all the Antarctica cruises, visit Goway’s website.

The Latin America travel planner prominently features this amazing journey to Antarctica as well as a complete choice of travel ideas in Central and South America.

To order your copy of the LATIN AMERICA Travel Planner please call 1-888-469 2955, email info@goway.com or visit www.goway.com

Middle East Demand Grows, Quotes Goway Travel

Goway Travel has reported that Tel Aviv, Israel’s hip coastal city, has been included in a new list of Lonely Planet’s Top Ten Cities in the World.

Hailed for its arts and music scene and relaxed culture, Tel Aviv was featured as the third-best city on the list behind New York City and Tangier. According to Lonely Planet editors, “Tel Aviv is a truly diverse 21st-century Mediterranean hub. Due to its university and museums, Tel Aviv is also the greenhouse for Israel’s growing art, film and music scenes.”

“Increased interest in Israel has been noticeable in the past few years” commented Product & Marketing Manager Emma Cottis of Goway Travel. “The contrasting experiences are drawing visitors – either on pilgrimage or as mainstream tourists – en masse to the country. Tel Aviv is the perfect starting place to then explore Nazareth and Galilee in the North, Jerusalem and Bethlehem, and of course the Dead Sea and Massada. Israel can be perfectly combined with other Middle East countries, specifically it’s compact neighbour, Jordan.”

Goway’s programs to the Middle East include their signature fully-escorted 22 day Middle East Treasures (visiting Egypt, Jordan and Israel) which sold out well in advance for the fall departures in 2010. For the 2011/12 season, the company has increased the schedule to 8 departures.

In response to demand, Goway’s AFRICAExperts has also expanded their FIT offerings in Jordan to include shorter modular trips and extension ideas that can be combined to create a customized experience. In Israel, enhanced product offerings include a resort stay in Eilat in the South, which overlooks Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the Red Sea The recognition of Tel Aviv, and in fact Israel as a whole, comes in a year that has set an all-time high in travel to Israel.

Tel Aviv has been the recipient of several awards this year, including “One of the World’s Top Ten Beach Cities” by NationalGeographic.com and the “Third Best City in Africa and the Middle East” by Travel + Leisure.

Goway’s Small Group Touring Experiences Offer Something Different

Goway Travel operates 10 different escorted tours covering 4 continents.  Every tour contains unusual or different events, sightseeing and meals in addition to the expected sites and inclusions. “We want our passengers to return not only satisfied with their tour but also to know they experienced something that they can say was unexpected and memorable”, says Goway President, Bruce Hodge.
Examples of these are the following.

22 Day Waltzing Matilda to Australia and New Zealand from CA$7779

  • Spend one night with a “Kiwi” family in Rotorua including a home-cooked meal
  • Travel on an amphibious army duck into the Kuranda Rainforest in Cairns
  • Get to meet Goway’s adopted Koalas, Matilda and Walter
  • Enjoy dinner under the stars in the Outback
  • Take a camel to breakfast in Alice Springs
  • Try a traditional Aussie meat pie from a vendor’s stall in Sydney.

21 Day Magic of Africa to South Africa, Botswana and Victoria Falls from CA$9899

  • A visit to Mandela’s former “home” on Robben Island in Cape Town
  • Try South African wines in the Cape Winelands
  • Watch dolphins and whales at Knysna Lagoon
  • Cruise the St. Lucia Wetlands
  • Visit a local pre school in Zimbabwe
  • Have dinner on a luxury steam train while on board in Victoria Falls.

22 Day Middle East Treasures to Egypt, Jordan and Israel from CA$8999

  • An overnight stop in the Sinai Peninsula including a special Bedouin dinner and show plus an optional hike to the top of Mount Sinai, site of the ten commandments
  • Travel in a 4 wheel drive jeep into the sand dunes in Wadi Rum
  • Swim (or float) in the Dead Sea
  • Visit to a winery in Carmel
  • Lunch at a Kibbutz
  • Visit a mystical Druze Village near Haifa
  • Visit to the Bauhaus Museum in Tel Aviv.
  • The 19 May 2011 departure includes an outdoor performance at Masada in Israel of Verdi’s opera, Aida.

18 Day Splendours of China and Tibet from CA$5629

  • Visit the Olympic site including the “Bird’s Nest” stadium and the “Water Cube”
  • Panda Centre near Chengdu
  • Tang Dynasty dinner and show in Xian
  • Tour of the old city of Ciqikou, near Chongqing
  • Spend 3 nights in the unique destination of Tibet

18 Day Splendours of India from CA$5299

  • Visit a working people’s laundry and have tea with a local family in Mumbai
  • Dinner with a distinguished Indian family in Jaipur
  • Visit to Mother Teresa’s orphanage in Agra
  • Ride on the famous Shatabdi Express train

14 Day Splendours of Indochina to Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos from CA$5479

  • Spend half day in Hoi An with well-known Vietnamese chef, Ms.Vy when travellers help to prepare a typical local meal
  • Pedi Cab ride through the old streets of Hanoi
  • Overnight stay on a luxury junk in Halong Bay
  • Visit the UNESCO protected World Heritage site of Luang Prabang
  • Visit the notorious “Killing Fields” outside Phnom Penh.

20 Day Magical Ecuador and Peru from CA$8649

  • Lunch taken at a restaurant overlooking an extinct volcano near Quito
  • Ride on a private train from Otavalo to the Sacred Valley
  • Spa stay in Papallacta Hot Springs
  • Cooking lesson in Pisac,
  • Trip aboard the 5 star luxury train, the Hiram Bingham to arrive at Machu Picchu in style
  • Meet the local indigenous natives who live on the Uros floating islands on Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake.

17 Day Splendours of South America to Chile, Argentina and Brazil from CA$7369

  • Special wine tasting outside of Santiago
  • Cross the Andes by private motor coach and ferries
  • Coffee at the famous traditional Café Tortini in Buenos Aires
  • Day trip to Colonia Del Sacramento in Uruguay from Buenos Aires
  • Optional helicopter ride over Iguassu Falls
  • Night of Samba in Rio de Janeiro.

All tour departures are land only sharing basis and include tipping, special dinners and Goway’s twin share guarantee a benefit for single travellers. Goway will match them with someone of the same sex avoiding the single room supplement. If this option is taken up and there is no one else wishing to share, a single room is provided at no additional cost. Additionally a quality Travel Companion booklet with a wealth of destination information and a souvenir group photograph at the end of the tour are provided.

For more information on Goway’s “Holidays of a Lifetime” small group escorted touring experiences, request a copy of the Downunder, Africa/Middle East, Asia and Latin America travel planners by calling 1-800-387-8850 or by visiting our online brochure rack

To view more about Goway’s Holidays of a Lifetime, visit www.goway.com/hol/index.html.

Great deals for the BIGGEST CULTURAL PARTY IN THE WORLD

Goway announces big savings on Rio and Carnaval packages for 2011.

Rio Carnaval is a wild 4 day celebration, 40 days before Easter. It officially starts on Saturday and finishes on Fat Tuesday with the beginning of Lent on Ash Wednesday after which one is supposed to abstain from all bodily pleasures.

“It is a great event where people dance, sing, party and have tons of fun. There are many parties that take place before, during and after Carnaval all night and all day. It allows travellers to see one of the worlds most remarkable events” states Don Forster, Product Manager for Goway’s Latin America division.

“The showcase event of Rio’s Carnaval is undoubtedly the two-night parades put on by traditional samba schools — ornate spectacles costing up to $2.5 million each with thousands of drummers, dancers and meticulously designed floats that begin Sunday night. The Samba Parade – the central focus of the week long celebrations – is something everybody should experience at least once in their life. Watching on TV is comfortable but not close to as much fun as being there” continues Forster.

Special prices for a Rio and Carnaval getaway start from $1280CAD and include 5 nights 4 star accomm, all breakfasts, full day tour of Corcovado and Sugar Loaf, Airport transfers and a H. Stern Jewelry Tour (City tours and Samba Drome tickets are all available on request)

Goway has a wide choice of accommodation options for Rio Carnaval as well as some excellent pre and post options such as Amazon Jungle stays, Iguassu Falls visits as well diving and beach options on the beautiful and famous Brazilian coast line.

For more information or to order your copy of the Latin America travel planner, please call 1-888-469 2949 , email info@goway.com or visit www.goway.com