Jet over to Dubai for a couple of nights of five-star luxury, then fly to Rio de Janeiro for three nights, followed by a grand cruise aboard Cunard’s flagship Queen Mary 2 around South America and onward across the Pacific, all the way back to Australia.
That’s the formula for two grand holidays from Worldwide Travel Centres (worldwidetravelcentres.com.au). One holiday, ‘South America to Sydney’ begins and ends in Sydney; the other ‘Brisbane to Brazil’ begins and ends in Brisbane.
Additional appeal is provided by Glaciers in Chile’s Bernardo O’Higgins National Park, a visit to mysterious Easter Island, and New Zealand’s glorious Bay of Islands. Queen Mary 2 is a prime attraction in its own right: the most magnificent ocean liner ever built, with 14 spacious decks on which to relax and perhaps indulge in pleasures and pursuits you may not normally have time for.
‘South America to Sydney’ lasts 42 nights and costs from A$9999. ‘Brisbane to Brazil’ lasts 44 nights (it has two extra nights aboard Queen Mary 2) and costs from A$10,749. Both holidays are valid for booking till the end of this year or until sold out, whichever occurs first.
Both holidays depart Australia on 28 January 2016 with a flight to Dubai on quality, full-service carrier Emirates, winner of numerous awards for in-flight service and entertainment.
In Dubai, two nights in a luxury hotel give time to relax, explore and shop before flying on to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil’s marvellous city, for a two-night stay before boarding Queen Mary 2. Your Rio hotel, the Golden Tulip Regente, enjoys the perfect location: Avenida Atlântica across from Post 5, the best stretch of Copacabana Beach. Three nights staying in a Business Room with city view and daily breakfast give plenty of time to get out and see the sights, sample a caipirinha cocktail, check out the Christ the Redeemer statue, 38 metres tall atop Corcovado mountain.
From here, you’re at sea, boarding Queen Mary 2 and sailing south. Aboard ship, luxurious marbles, woods and rich fabrics evoke the spirit of great liners past. The Queens Room is the setting for two timeless Cunard traditions: indulgent afternoon tea served by white-gloved waiters; and elegant ballroom dancing under crystal chandeliers. All shipboard main meals (except specialty restaurants) are included.
First port of call is Punta del Este, an upscale resort on the southern tip of Uruguay. Next, Chile’s Beagle Channel leads to Cape Horn at South America’s tip. Sail round it to Punta Arenas, looking out over the Strait of Magellan, before heading to Amalia Glacier in Bernardo O’Higgins National Park, home to penguins and seabirds.
Valparaiso is gateway to Santiago, the Chilean capital, with the Andes Mountains glimmering in the distance.
Next, remote and mysterious Easter Island, where great stone heads stare inscrutably inland and many residents resemble Tahitians or Maori but speak Spanish.
From Spanish to French now as Queen Mary 2 reaches Papeete in Tahiti, land of white sands and aquamarine lagoons. Perhaps visit the museum of one of Tahiti’s most famous expatriates, painter Paul Gauguin, before sailing to Moorea in the Society Islands for some of the world most stunning scenery.
Next stop, New Zealand’s North Island and the country’s biggest city, Auckland, situated between two magnificent harbours, Waitemata and Manukau. Queen Mary 2 visits the historic and laid back Bay of Islands in New Zealand’s far north and Wellington, the country’s arty, quirky capital – great for walking and coffee.
Time now to board Queen Mary 2 for the final leg of your voyage, taking you across the waves back to Australia to the city where you started, either Sydney or Brisbane.
To find your local Worldwide Cruise Centres agent, go to: www.worldwidecruisecentres.com.au
SOURCE Worldwide Cruise Centre