All travel, and river cruising in particular, is addictive...

... and, I must confess: the Vietnam and Cambodia tour has a special place in my heart right now.

You feel the pulse of Vietnam from the first moment you leave the airport. The sheer intensity amazed and shocked us at the same time. It’s deafening with all the tooting, and apparent “no-rules” driving; for example, a family of six on a small scooter, five live pigs tied to a bike, a driver manoeuvring his motorbike with one hand and balancing a huge wardrobe with the other. It’s chaotic and colourful. You, like us, will fall in love instantaneously with the friendly people - all so proud of their country and its history, despite decades of suffering.  

We sailed the emerald waters of Halong Bay on a traditional junk; were enchanted by the water puppets show in Hanoi; explored the charming town of Hoi An as well as the extraordinary tunnels of Cu Chi. We also witnessed the fascinating rites of the unique Cao Dai religion and even practised our negotiating skills in the markets. Our journey finished at the unforgettable Angkor Temples in neighbouring Cambodia. Over one-thousand years ago a succession of kings created these magnificent temples in stone. Their elaborate carvings and intricate architecture still amazes and fascinates all visitors.  

We are planning another Vietnam & Cambodia tour in October/November this year and we look forward to your company to this special area of the world.   I recommend you jump in fast to secure your place. Book and pay in full by 25 June 2010 and save $1,000. I also recommend you leave lots of space in your luggage for shopping!  

In June we’ll be cruising the Dnieper River as we follow in the Footsteps of the Cossacks in Ukraine. We’ll also visit the charming city of Odessa, the Pearl of the Black Sea, and of course, Europe’s oldest city, Kiev. While there I will introduce the group to my family and they’ll see how locals cope with everyday life. We’ll also tour Yalta’s famed White Palace (site of the 1945 Yalta Conference between Roosevelt, Stalin and Churchill) and walk through the halls and private apartments of the czar’s family.  

We’re sorry, but it’s too late for you to join us this time. However, we would be delighted to have you on board next year. Contact us for details or just complete the booking form.  

Another tour that is booked out already is in August when we’ll be sailing along the Waterways of the Czars: from St Petersburg to Moscow (with multiple days in both cities). We’ll be touring landmarks such as Moscow’s Kremlin and Red Square and St Petersburg’s Hermitage and Cathrine’s Palace. I have fond memories of Moscow as I studied at Moscow University at my younger days.  

It’s only on a river cruise that you can see another side of Russia – quaint riverside towns with exotic names as Yaroslavl, Uglich and Goritzy. We’ll see opulent palaces, discover fortified monasteries and visit beautiful cathedrals.  

Our floating hotel Viking Surkov was completely sold – but don’t worry, we have reserved 10 cabins for August 2011. Avoid disappointment by booking you place now.  

And lastly in September we’ll tour vibrant Prague and romantic Paris, two of Europe’s most glorious cities.   We’ll embark on a scenic river cruise through Germany along the Moselle, Rhine and Main Rivers.  

We had a great time on this tour last year and the memory of it will stay with us forever. Add it to you memories too. Read about this fantastic journey in our Newsletter “ Pack your Bag and Run Away with 50 Plus Travel™ ” and book your tour now!  

Would you be interested in a cruise tour through Egypt and see Egypt in all its glory?  Departure date is 2 December and we'll be back in time to celebrate Christmas with family and friends. We’ll appreciate if you let us know as soon as possible.  

Included in the tour:  

• 3-night Nile River cruise
• 3-night Lake Nasser cruise
• 4 nights in Cairo      
• 1 night in Luxor
• most meals
• welcome Cocktail Reception & Diner & Captain’s Farewell Dinner
• 18 guided tours by experienced Egyptologists
• … and more  

Keep visiting www.50plustravel.co.nz for the latest news, and remember, you can also contact us on 04 528 3603 or email anna@50plustravel.co.nz.

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