It’s been years, but fond memories of abroad have you seriously considering a holiday reunion with your old friends. Organising holiday reunions in Europe is something we can definitely help with. Where do you want to go?

How about a barge in France?

Cruising the canals will provide endless photo opportunities, not to mention some excellent wine as you’re taking in the sights. The pros of hiring a private barge for a group of friends are that as well as being able to stop and try out the local restaurants along the way, you can also visit the local markets and cook your own feasts onboard.

We can help you find a suitable barge or other livable boat on the Canal du Midi, the Camargue near Carcassonne or on the waters around Montpellier. Just let us know how many wine glasses you’ll need once you get there.

How about a gulet in Turkey?

What’s not to love about Turkey? Boating in Turkey offers you and your reunion group a huge selection of gulets, bareboats, catamarans and yachts, so the only thing you’ll have to worry about when you climb on board is where’s best to stop for your specialty black tea and simit (a tasty sesame seed covered bread traditionally eaten for breakfast).

We can help you organise a great trip on an exclusive, privately owned gulet, complete with a full crew on the exquisite Turquoise Coast of Turkey. Just ask our specialists in group travel for more information.

How about a villa in Italy?

Splashing about in a swimming pool with your friends is guaranteed to push the stresses of everyday work life to the back of your mind. The pros of hiring a private villa for a group of friends in Italy are that you can visit the local markets and cook your own feasts in the privacy of your own space. You can also stay up and laugh as loudly as you like about old times as you create even more memories.

Relax amongst the vineyards of Tuscany, explore the flora on the outskirts of Florence or take in the stunning beauty of Lake Como .

It is usually best to set a budget per night per couple when travelling in a group, so everyone knows what they’re expected to pay. However, don’t forget our travel specialists can arrange car hire, villa accommodation and flights to Italy.

If you’re planning a holiday reunion with a group of friends, our Concierge Traveller specialists can help you arrange it today.

The world of exclusive travel doesn’t just extend to the rich and famous. In fact, if you’re looking to splash out by travelling or holidaying in five-star splendour, there are hundreds of options just waiting for you to pop a champagne cork over.

Hire a private island

Hiring your own island with exclusive access to pristine white sands and personal chefs is not as difficult as you might think. You and your friends will most certainly feel like stars in the shade of the swaying palm trees on Macan Island.

Situated in aqua blue waters in the Java Sea, just two hours by boat from Ancol Marina in North Jakarta, Indonesia, Macan Island offers three separate bungalows, each with two double bedrooms and bathroom facilities.

Alternatively guest accommodation Richard Branson’s Necker Island is being rebuilt after the fire destroyed it recently but in the meantime you can hire his private residence at fabulous rates.

You could also opt to hire all 15 acres of Pangkil, close to Singapore. Pangkil Private Island offers 20 staff members and nine elegant, detached driftwood palaces all with, you’ve guessed it, sea views for between 10 and 30 close friends. Why would you share with strangers?

Contact our specialists in private island hire for more exclusive island options and information.

Hire a private jet

If you want to be lord of the skies and travel on your own private jet like Prince Charles, we know companies that will give you access to operators of the largest networks of luxury flights whenever you need them, and all you have to do is sign up. They can arrange a helicopter, turboprop or jumbo jet to pretty much any destination in the world with as little as four hours’ notice.

Of course, if you don’t need permanent access you can always ask us to include at least one private jet in a customised, exclusive travel holiday package to your chosen destination. Soar over the mountains of New Zealand, photograph the Outback from a private jet or just surprise a loved one with a private whale watching flight over the Whitsundays. Get ready for the ride of your life.

Take to the seas on a private cruise

Why share those sea views with everyone else on a giant cruise liner? Whether you want to cruise the Caribbean or stay close to home and tour the Whitsundays in absolute luxury, let us plan your flight, hotel and touring arrangements before and after your cruise.

Our network of experienced travel specialists can offer a host of destination and vessel ideas. You can even take a luxury catamaran, motor cruise or quality party ferries. Just think: privately crewed yacht charters and sailboat charters are all out there, waiting to take your champagne orders as you take in the sights.

If you feel like indulging on a holiday of a lifetime, our Concierge travel specialists in ultra-exclusive travel have got more than a few ideas up their designer sleeves. Call us now on 1800 047 047 to discuss your next VIP excursion to the world of celebrity travel.

Sending your beloved pet off to the kennels just as you’re about to go on holiday doesn’t seem quite fair somehow. Wouldn’t it be nice if your pet could share your trip with you?

There are some hotels that welcome this idea. When you’re next looking to travel in Australia with your pet, consult our Concierge travel specialists in pet-friendly hotels.

Barking brilliant

The Observatory Hotel in Sydney offers a very small number of dedicated pet-friendly rooms at an additional charge (from $50 per pet, per night). Dogs will receive a pet bed and their owners can choose dinner from the Scooby Doo room service menu. With dog bowls, special beds and healthy dog biscuits, a stay at the Observatory Hotel is as much a treat for your pet as it is for you.

Starwood Hotels, opening in June 2012, have a specialty loyalty program just for your four-legged friends called Love That Dog. As you’re sipping from a glass of wine, your pet can paw about with designer toys, strut around in a special collar or lounge just as dreamily as you on a customised 10-layer duvet bed.

Time for yappy hour

Man and woman’s best friends are more than welcome at The Pet’s Hotel – for very important pets in Melbourne. Here you’ll find Daily Playtime or Yappy Hour, overnight accommodation for both cats and dogs, as well as an aptly named indoor dog park called Central Bark. There’s even a spa facility for lucky small to medium dogs – they may not want to leave.

If you’re travelling beyond Australia, the Loews Loves Pets program at the Loews Hotel chain knows how to make your travelling pets feel special. You’re not the only one getting gourmet room service and an extra special comfy bed. It’s so accommodating in fact that the manager or concierge can even help you find nearby pet-friendly restaurants and attractions.

Pros and cons

The pros of holidaying with your pet are that they’ll be able to share in your fun and keep you company, and you won’t be worrying about them being in someone else’s hands. As for the cons, you may have to pay extra charges here and there. Plus, you’re responsible for the things they might do to someone else’s property, so it could be like taking a child away with you.

Think carefully before you choose to take your pet on holiday. For advice and holiday options on travel in Australia with pets adn for a full list of pet friendly accommodation, call our Concierge traveller specialists on 1800 047 047.

Immerse yourself in Khmer culture while exploring Cambodia and witness the infectious beat of a traditional Hmong dance in Laos. You’ll soon be hooked on two of Southeast Asia’s greatest treasures.

From the cultural heritage still evident in Siem Reap to one of the greatest manmade wonders of the world, Angkor Wat, Cambodia is a spectacular adventure in itself. However, Laos is easily visited in the same trip. Once you see the rolling plains and beaming smiles of the locals you’ll never want to leave these two Southeast Asian paradises.

Cambodia for nature lovers

A half or full-day cruise on Tonle Sap, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, is a must-do, especially if you’re looking to get away from the tourist route in Cambodia. Tonle Sap was made a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1997 and more than one million people now live around the lake. Tonle Sap’s fisheries also supply roughly 80 per cent of all protein consumed in Cambodia.

If nature is your thing, a safari at the Prek Toal bird sanctuary, at the northwest tip of the lake, offers a view of over 120 species of birds including ibises, storks and pelicans.

Luxury in Phnom Penh

A visit to Phnom Penh’s Raffles also means a trip to a colonial-era classic, although the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, with its golden sparkling Buddha covered in 10,000 diamonds, is perhaps even more breathtaking.  Opt for a private sunset cruise on the Mekong, with cocktails and city views, or head to Cambodia’s most decadent dining experience at the French Restaurant 102.

To see the top collection of Khmer sculpture and art in the world, don’t miss a private guide to the fascinating National Museum with exhibits from the Angkor period as well as the 4th century. The impressive Foreign Correspondents Club on Sisowath Quay offers great riverside views and some of the best food in Cambodia.

Siem Reap sightseeing in style

In Siem Reap, hire a private guide to make the most of an exploration of the magnificent 12th century Angkor Wat, the largest and best preserved of the Angkor temples. For an even more rewarding experience we can help arrange a guide to take you around one of Siem Reap’s orphanages, run by an NGO to help improve the lives of less privileged Cambodian children.

If you’re keen to explore further afield we can arrange a visit to Kbal Spean, a beautiful riverbed known as ‘The River of a Thousand Lingas’. The river is thought to be magical thanks to the presence of numerous birds and butterflies, as well as mysterious stone carvings of Hindu deities and lingas.

Cuisine and culture in Luang Prabang, Laos

Situated in a pretty setting surrounded by forested mountains and verdant green planes, the sacred city of Luang Prabang with its smiling, saffron-robed monks and sparkling golden temples is a must-see. Soak up a traditional Baci ceremony or learn the secrets of tasty Lao cuisine with a trip to Phou Si Market and a cooking class.

Take part in a silk dying class and visit the ethnic minorities of Northern Laos at the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre, where you can even make your own hand-dyed silk scarf and become the envy of all your friends.

Cycling and trekking in Ban Long Lao

There’s nothing like a good bike ride to get you into the heart of a new culture. South of Luang Prabang, Laos is a great place for keen cyclists. We can help you arrange a fantastic tour on two wheels to Ban Thin Som. From there, you can start a trek to a traditional Kamu village, tuck into a delicious lunch and then soak up some spectacular views on a mountain hike.

Trips can be as challenging or relaxing as you like, although a traditional Hmong dance and dinner in the evening at the home of the village leader will really be something to write home about. You will have seen a part of Laos that few people get to experience.

Contact Concierge Traveller specialists on  1800 047 047 for more luxury options in Laos and Cambodia, and explore Southeast Asia in style.

View holiday ideas in Cambodia

The Scandinavian Midsummer festivities reel in thousands of tourists every year, all keen for a taster of traditions that stem from pagan times. It seems the defeat of darkness and victory of the sun is reason to celebrate year after year, so here are a few tips to ensure you make the most of it.

May there be music

Scandinavia in May is a great time to visit. The parks are lush in spring bloom and airfares tend to be cheaper, plus the weather is generally milder than in the summer months.

There are also plenty of music festivals in Scandinavia in May, including the two-day SPOT Festival (May 4-5) where international music fans are bound to discover the next best thing. For something funky, the Pop Revo (May 18-19) in Denmark’s second largest city, Aarhus, offers musical diversity in a wonderful venue.

Midsummer’s Eve in June

Most Midsummer’s Eve celebrations occur on the Saturday that falls between June 20 and June 26. Celebrating the Summer solstice, Midsummer is a national holiday for locals and June 21 is traditionally the longest day of the year.

Walking various neighbourhoods means you’ll find houses decorated inside and out with flower garlands and pretty wreaths. You might even encounter some Swedes dancing around the decorated Midsummer pole with traditional folk songs blasting out in a general air of infectious happiness.

Traditional foodie highlights you might find at this time of year are potatoes with herring or smoked fish, lots of fresh fruit and perhaps some fruity schnapps or beer.

Skinny dipping in Scandinavia

Scandinavia in June also promises nicer weather, causing the inviting sea to beckon you in. You don’t even have to wear your clothes if you don’t want to. Skinny dipping is encouraged in many parts of Scandinavia. In fact, 4500 kilometres of coastline welcomes it, and four ‘free beaches’ are dedicated only to naturists.

Look for the signs before you strip, but why not take the opportunity if you’ve never tried it before? Norway itself boasts over 20 clothes-free beaches, and Sweden has over 60 clothes-optional beaches.

Jazzy July

July is a very popular month for tourists in Scandinavia, but if you’re a jazz fan you might want to make a beeline for the very best. Copenhagen Jazz Festival (July 6-15) is a week of jazz in the capital that promises a buzzing atmosphere wherever you go. Electronica right through to traditional jazz plus free concerts galore are reason enough to make this your musical stopover in Scandinavia.

For more information on trips and tour packages to Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, Norway or Finland, don’t hesitate to contact Concierge Traveller: the specialists in Scandinavian attractions on 1800 047 047.

From watching fuzzy orange swingers in the trees at orangutan sanctuaries to putting your best foot forward at Mount Kinabalu, we’ve got the top travel specialists at hand when it comes to beautiful Borneo.

Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary

The number one tourist destination in Sandakan lets you get up close and personal with the hairy and not-so-scary jungle men. It’s orangutans aplenty at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. Established in 1964 to help and rehabilitate orphaned baby orangutans, its inhabitants now swing freely in the trees of this verdant 5500-hectare Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve.

Take the boardwalk to the viewing gallery and watch them play. If you’re keen to watch a feeding, make sure you arrive before 10am or 3pm, although if you go early you’ll also avoid some of the crowds. Watch out for your hats and cameras!

Take a walk on the wild side

If you’re into trekking, the mangrove forest in the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve awaits. You’ll need a permit before taking off on the stunning 5km trail, which winds its way through beautiful Sepilok Laut.  If you’re prone to tiredness or just want to soak up the wild for a little longer, you can easily arrange for a boat return or book some accommodation for a night’s rest in a nice chalet in the forest.

Mount Kinabalu: The climb of a lifetime

Mount Kinabalu, at a whopping 4095m, is the tallest mountain in South-East Asia and hard to resist for some adventurers. Towering high in the Kinabalu National Park in the province of Sabah, it challenges thousands of tourists every year who climb it with cameras and keen enthusiasm. Luckily, Mount Kinabalu is actually one of the easiest peaks in the world to reach, taking just two days with an overnight stop to break up the climb. The views from the peak at sunrise make it well worth the effort.

Where to dive in Borneo

If you’re keen to get down deep with the fish population, Borneo has some of the best diving spots in the world. In fact, it’s right in the centre of the richest marine habitat on Earth, at the heart of the Indo-Pacific basin. You’ll find more than 3000 species of fish in these diverse ecosystems.

Locations include Layang Layang, Sipadan Island, Kapalai, Mabul, Miri and Lankayan Island. Adventures can be booked at some hotels, or as the travel specialists we can help you arrange the perfect holiday package.

Visit a Longhouse

There are over 4000 traditional longhouses in Sarawak, many of which are made from traditional wood and offer a real taste of the traditional Borneo way of life. If you’re planning on staying overnight, ask our travel specialists to explain some great Longhouse visiting options, including an unforgettable tour on the Lemanak River.

Contact Concierge Traveller on 1800 047 047 for details on the highlights of Borneo. Our specialists can help you book the perfect orangutan, diving or trekking-oriented escape.

Japan is blooming marvelous in the springtime. Literally. There is a lot to be said for this country that is blossoming back to life, and a holiday in Japan is a picture-perfect adventure.

Cherry blossom sightings

The annual flowering of sakura always draws a crowd, and cherry blossom season is a much-anticipated occurrence amongst tourists and locals alike.

The sudden and beautiful explosion of pink in the trees is the long-awaited signal for a nationwide host of parties and outdoor picnics named hanami. Friends and co-workers get together at this time to spread blankets beneath the flowering cherry trees and enjoy a drink (or two) in tribute to glorious nature. Why not join them?

Where to see the cherry blossoms

Mid-April is the best time to see the cherry blossoms in Matsumo and Sendai. Late April to mid-May is the best time for them in Kakunodate, Hirosaki, Hakodate and Sapporo. Ask our specialists for accommodation and transport options.

Nara: Visiting the ancient capital of Japan

Japan’s capital from 710 to 784, you won’t find a much older city in Japan. Nara is probably the most important centre of Japanese culture and religion, and it is also a wildlife sanctuary, bursting with free-roaming deer and birds of differing species.

Nara is seen as a sort of natural balance between religion and nature in Japan so it’s well worth scheduling in some time for a visit, especially if you’ve been keen to get out of big cities like Tokyo. Get your photo taken by the Great South Gate, the largest wooden gate in the world and a valued national treasure of Nara.

Hokkaido: A wildlife lover’s dream

Akan National Park in the Hokkaido Region is the place to take your long lenses and bird appreciation. You’ll find whistling swan, osprey, whooper swan, Siberian ruby throat, white-tailed eagle and when it comes to fish, rainbow trout and lake salmon to name but a few.

If you’re out for an adventure, you can also try skating, canoeing and boating.

Alternatively at the Daisetsuzan National Park, also in the Hokkaido Region, you’ll find wildlife such as the brown bear, Ezo chipmunk, Japanese macaque, mountain finch, hazel grouse and red-crowned crane.

A break from the craziness in Kyoto

As Japan’s capital for over 1000 years, Zen-like Kyoto is a glorious place for a visit in the springtime, not least because of its breathtaking collection of UNESCO World Heritage sites. Don’t miss the stunning Kinkaku-ji (The Golden Pavilion) or Ginkaku-jj (The Silver Pavilion), both of which are as incredible as the photos would have you believe.

As a working geisha district, Gion is a top attraction where you can see traditional old wooden buildings, fancy teahouses and exclusive Japanese restaurants all heaped together with a charming vibe.

If you are a lover of wildlife, architecture or simply interested in a new adventure, experience the sights and sounds of Japan by contacting Concierge Traveller for accommodation and tour options on 1800 047 047.

There are two main centres for genealogical research in Ireland. They are Dublin, mainly for the 26 counties of the Republic and Belfast for the 6 counties of Northern Ireland.

You can then set a course of as many nights as you wish to travel through beautiful countryside in a rental car or with a private guide. Visit historic castles, archeological sites and natural attractions as well as experience the warmth and hospitality of the Irish people. Any trip can be specifically tailored to suit your own family history and requirements.

Highlights: A pre-tour in-depth consultative process and possibly a lecture given by one of Ireland’s most respected genealogists. Visit locations related to your family.

Sample itinerary:
This itinerary is based on a specific family whose ancestors came from County Limerick and their trip culminated in their visiting the former home and origin of those ancestors.

Day 1: Arrive Dublin (D)
A transfer is provided to your hotel in Dublin. Then a welcome drink and a briefing session.

Day 2: Dublin (B)
Option of a private breakfast session with a local genealogist, Then a morning lecture for in the National Library of Ireland, presented by a genealogist.  The lecture will concern your family name and you will be given an information pack on genealogy sources in Dublin. Sightseeing can be arranged when you are not involved in research.

Day 3: Dublin to Galway (B, D)
Travel to Galway city. En route visit the monastic site of Clonmacnoise. This ancient monastic site dates back almost 1,500 years. St. Ciaran, the son of an Ulsterman who had settled in Connaught, chose the site in 545 AD because of its ideal location at the junction of river and road travel in Celtic Ireland. Arrive into Galway city in the early afternoon.

Galway city is regarded as one of Ireland’s foremost cultural centres. Located on the Atlantic and sitting at the edge of beautiful Connemara and a large Gaeltacht (Irish speaking) region, it is a vibrant university town. It offers visitors medieval charm, an active drama scene, lively pubs and great traditional music

Day 4: Galway (B, D)
A day trip to Inishmore the largest of the Aran Islands. These Islands are a group of three islands located at the mouth of Galway Bay. The largest island is Inishmore. Irish is a spoken language on all three islands, and is the language used for the names of the islands and many of the island’s villages and place names. Return to the mainland in the afternoon

Day 5: Galway to Limerick (B, D)
En route to Limerick, visit the Burren region and the Cliffs of Moher. The Burren, situated in north-west County Clare, covers over 300 square kilometres and is the largest karstic limestone area in Western Europe. The Burren is an anomaly in the Irish landscape and continues to fascinate geologists who come to study its limestone patterns, underground rivers and grykes (cracks). The Cliffs of Moher rise 213 metres above the Atlantic Ocean from Hag’s Head to O’Brien’s Tower, eight kilometers away. The Cliffs boast some of Ireland’s most spectacular views. On a clear day the Aran Islands are visible in Galway Bay, as are the valleys and hills of Connemara.  Arrive in Limerick late afternoon

Day 6: Limerick (B)
Depart Limerick for your ancestral townland. Walk the ground of your ancestors with local historian who will fill you in on the family connections in the area. Visit the local school that was founded and built by your ancestors.

Day 7:Departure (B)
A transfer either to Shannon Airport or to Dublin.

Included:
* Accommodation for 6 nights
* Breakfast daily
* Dinners as indicated
* Activities as described in the itinerary
* Transfers
* An information pack related to your family search.
* Service of a local historian where relevant

Let us tailor this Irish Genealogical tour to your family name. Please call Concierge Traveller on 1800 047 047.

The ragged Kimberley coast, a place you can only comprehend from the sea, lies north of Broome and is one of the world’s great wilderness areas. Rugged gorges, inlets, waterfalls plunging 100 metres all combine for an awe-inspiring experience you simply can’t have by travelling overland. Orion offers stylish expeditions and the best opportunities to see this awesome landscape.

2012 Validity:  Various date in April, May, June, July, August and September.

Highlights: Secluded beaches and river inlets, famous for an abundance of wildlife, spectacular waterfalls, awe inspiring gorges, ancient cultural history and indigenous rock art.

Detailed itinerary:
Day 1: Depart Darwin

Day 2: Com, East Timor

Day 3: At sea

Day 4: Wyndham (for Bungle Bungles)

Day 5: King George River and Falls

Day 6: Vansittart Bay

Day 7: Hunter River (optional helicopter to Mitchell Falls)

Day 8: Montgomery Reef and Raft Point

Day 9: Talbot Bay and Horizontal Waterfalls

Day 10: Nares Point & Crocodile Creek

Day 11:  Arrive Broome

Itinerary can be done in reverse.

Included:
• 10 nights onboard accommodation
• Cruise transportation
• All onboard meals
• Entertainment and educational programs
• 24 hour room service
• Sporting equipment & facilities
• Port and handling charges
• Zodiac excursions and tender trabsfers
• Government fees and taxes

Contact Concierge Traveller for this cruise plus flights and accommodation before and after on 1800 047 047.

After years of suffering at the mercy of Civil War, Lebanon is now a thriving country and an up and coming tourist destination, with some even calling Beirut the Paris of the Middle East. If you’re looking to explore somewhere new with fantastic food, world-class wines and a cosmopolitan shopping and nightlife, Lebanon could be the place for you.

Make a beeline for Beirut
Beirut is known as the party city of the Middle East and North Africa. But it doesn’t have to be all about raucous clubs and bars. You’ll find something for all tastes in Downtown, Gemmayze and Monot Street, Achrafieh. Dress your best however, the Lebanese are known for their style and you never know where the night may lead.

Feel the buzz in Baalbeck
Why not ask us about cooking experiences and learn the art of Lebanese cuisine, along the way? As you shop for ingredients you’ll get to see the sights. Baalbek in Roman times was known as Heliopolis, or City of the Sun. It’s Lebanon’s largest most spectacular archeological site and was one of the largest sanctuaries in the Roman empire. It’s still home to the bustling annual Baalbeck International Festival in July and August.

Explore Anjar and Tyre
The Umayyad Ruins of Anjar are considerably smaller than Baalbeck, but just as interesting. Head for the Royal bath houses for an added cultural experience.

North of Acre, south of Sidon and Beirut is Tyre, which is also well worth a visit. Tyre was one of the most important Phoenician cities and today excavations of Crusader, Byzantine, Arab and Greco-Roman ruins are mind-blowing. Ask us about tours with a knowledgeable guide to get the most out of your visit.

Jeita Grotto and Byblos
The Jeita Grotto is an intricate system of two interconnected, karstic limestone caves just north of Beirut, and is one of Lebanon’s biggest attractions. The lower cave can only be visited via a fascinating boat ride, as it channels an underground river providing fresh drinking water to more than a million people. You can perhaps combine your trip here with a visit to Byblos, which was allegedly founded around 5000 BC, and is believed to be the oldest continuously-inhabited city in the world. Impressive indeed.

Relax at Ksara
Lebanon would not be complete without its excellent wine and neither would your holiday. The Lebanese vineyards and wineries are concentrated mostly in the Bekaa valley, and one of the most commercial wineries, Chateau Ksara can be found this area. Ask us about arranging a special tour so you can sip those world-class Lebanese wines at your leisure and congratulate yourselves on a holiday well spent.

Ask your travel specialists at Concierge Traveller to help arrange your exciting holiday in Lebanon today.