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India
From the snow-capped Himalayas
in the north to the sun drenched
coastal villages of the south,
India unfolds like an ancient
tapestry. At times threadbare
and fading, the land stretches
from desert dunes and scattered
slums to the rich embroidery of
ancient, jewelled palaces, and
the majestic domes of forgotten
empires.
Since the first civilisations
rose on the banks of the Indus
River almost 5,000 years ago,
India has given birth to
Buddhism and Hinduism, been
touched by the Empire of
Alexander the Great, seen the
ancient empires of the Mauryas
and Guptas rise and fall, and
has traded with Pharaohs and
Caesars.
An invasion by the white Huns
scattered its people until the
sweeping hand of Islam saw new
kingdoms rise, heralding the era
of the Sultans. Defeat came
again as the Mogul Emperors
marched over the mountains and
into the Punjab. The decline of
the Mogul Empire gave way to the
Marathas, who consolidated
control of India just in time
for the arrival of the British.
The sun finally set on the
British Empire as India
reclaimed independence in 1947,
heralding a new age of
democracy.
India is a feast for the senses;
where the air is heavy with the
scent of jasmine and dancers
trail frenetic melodies in
colourful silk saris. Its cooks
compose dishes from a palette of
exotic spices that may leave a
lingering taste of saffron or
aniseed. In India's cities, the
stench of slum living competes
with the cacophony of seemingly
endless traffic and a myriad of
other textures, colours and
movements all jostling for your
attention.
Not to miss attractions:
Red Fort: The Red Fort,
is Delhi's signature attraction,
rising high above the clamour of
Old Delhi as a reminder of the
wealth and power of the Mogul
empire.
Jama Masjid: This grand
structure is situated on a hill
a few hundred yards west of the
Red Fort and towers over the
mayhem of Old Delhi's sprawling
streets. Jama Masjid is India's
largest mosque and can hold
25,000 worshipers at one time.
Qutb Minar: The Qutb
Minar is a mammoth tower built
to symbolise Islamic rule over
Delhi. Standing 72m tall, the
tower is decorated with
calligraphy representing verses
from the Koran.
Humayun's Tomb: One of
the best-preserved and beautiful
examples of Mogul architecture
in Delhi and is often seen as a
forerunner of the Taj Mahal in
Agra.
Rashtrapati Bhavan: This
immense palace, was created for
the Viceroy and is now the
residence of the President of
India.
Chandni Chowk: No trip
to Delhi would be complete
without a visit to one of the
bazaars that surround Chandni
Chowk (Moonlight Square), in Old
Delhi, where shops and stalls
display a wonderful array of
goods and offer a pungent and
colourful insight into Delhi
life. Chandni Chowk has a large
number of galis (lanes) each
with their own atmosphere and
smells.
Taj Mahal: One of the world's most recognisable and
evocative sights and a visit
here does not disappoint. Aim to
visit it at dawn and dusk when
the reflection of the sun
changes the colour of the dome
from white to shades of pink.
Agra Fort: Not far from
the gardens of the Taj Mahal
stands the important 16th
century Mughal monument known as
the Red Fort of Agra. This
powerful fortress of red
sandstone encompasses, within
its 2.5km enclosure walls, the
imperial city of the Mughal
rulers. |
Amber Palace:
Situated on the crest of
a hill seven miles north
of Jaipur is Amber. The
city-palace is protected
by towering outer walls,
a further wall runs for
miles along the hills
surrounding the palace.
For many, the most
memorable part of a trip
to Jaipur is the journey
up the palace ramparts,
through a succession of
vast gates, on the back
of a painted elephant -
Maharaja style.
City Palace: The magnificent City Palace is in the
centre of the Pink City
of Jaipur, enclosed by
high walls and set
amidst fine gardens and
courtyards.
Palace of the Winds (Hawa
Mahal): Jaipur's
most acclaimed
attraction. The
five-storey building is
shaped like a crown
adorning Lord Krishna's
head and contains over
five hundred finely
screened windows and
balconies.
City Palace: The white walls of the City Palace soar
above the peaceful
waters of Lake Pichola
topped by ornamental
battlements and turrets.
The sprawling palace has
been developed by
successive maharanas
since the foundation of
Udaipur in 1559.
Ranakpur: 60km
north of Udaipur is the
Jain temple of Ranakpur.
It is the largest of its
kind in India and boasts
some staggering marble
work, on a par with any
in Asia.
The Ghats: There
are over 100 bathing and
burning ghats (literally
'steps') at Varanasi but
the most sacred is the
Manikarnika Ghat, which
is the most auspicious
place that a Hindu can
be cremated.
Fort: The
magnificent Gothic
Victorian buildings in
the Fort area (of
Mumbai) highlight the
power and wealth of the
British Empire at its
might and are
reminiscent of many of
the great public
buildings in London or
Glasgow.
Colaba: The
southernmost peninsula,
known as Colaba, is
where most travellers
gravitate to as it has a
good range of hotels and
restaurants and two of
the city's best
landmarks, the Gateway
to India and the Taj
Mahal Hotel.
Marine Drive:
Built in the 1920s,
Marine Drive runs along
the shoreline of the
Arabian Sea from Nariman
Point to the foot of
Malabar Hill. It is
Mumbai's most famous
thoroughfare and a
favourite spot for
watching the sunset.
Crawford Market:
This colourful indoor
market is where locals
of central Mumbai go
shopping for their
fruit, veg and (for the
brave) meat.
Kochi (Cochin): The port city of Kochi (long known as
Cochin) is located on a
cluster of islands and
narrow peninsulas half
way up the Goan coast.
All linked by a series
of ferries and bridges,
these districts are an
unlikely blend of
medieval Portuguese,
Dutch and English
architecture.
Old Goa: Old
Goa has been declared a
World Heritage Site by
UNESCO and today is the
state's main cultural
attraction. Tourists
come here from the beach
resorts to admire the
massive facades and
beautiful interiors of
the well-preserved
churches.
Periyar Wildlife
Sanctuary: One of
the most popular
wildlife reserves in
India - home to a great
variety of game
including elephant,
sambar, wild pig,
mongoose, the Malabar
flying squirrel and
almost 300 species of
bird. Leopards and
dwindling numbers of
tigers are also here but
are rarely glimpsed by
visitors.
The Backwaters of
Kerala: One of the
most memorable
experiences for
travellers in Kerala is
a boat journey on the
backwaters of Kerala.
This extraordinary maze
of rivers, lakes, canals
and estuaries is lined
with dense tropical
greenery, and reveals a
Keralan lifestyle that
is totally hidden from
the road.
Fatehpur Sikri:
The deserted city,
untouched and perfectly
preserved. A complete
medieval fortress of red
sandstone, with vast
central squares,
exquisitely carved
multi-tiered pavilions,
cool terraces and formal
gardens.
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Experience India: DELHI
4 nights
Fly/Stay package from $2143*.
Includes return flights to Delhi
flying Singapore Airlines, 4
nights accommodation at Rani
Castle, breakfast daily, full
day "Old & New Delhi" tour
including a visit to the Red
Fort, Jama Masjid - the largest
mosque in India, Qutab Minar,
Humayuyn's tomb and a drive past
India Gate, the Parliament
building and the President's
residence and taxes payable from
Australia.
READ
MORE >>
THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE: India.
From $2441* per person twin
share. Includes return flights
to Delhi with air taxes, 2
nights accommodation in Delhi, 1
night accommodation in Agra, 2
nights accommodation in Jaipur,
Breakfast daily, Transfers
throughout, all entrance fees,
services of a local English
speaking guide, comprehensive
sightseeing in Delhi including:
The Red Fort, the Jama Masjid
(India's largest mosque), India
Gate, Humayuns Tomb and the
Hindu Temple Birla Mandir. Agra
sightseeing including: the Tomb
of Akbar, Agra Fort and the Taj
Mahal. Jaipur sightseeing
including: The Palace of the
Winds, Jantar Mantar, the City
Palace and take a magical ride
on the back of a brightly
painted elephant to the
magnificent Amber Fort.
READ MORE >>
To find out more information
email:
roger.atwal@escapetravel.com.au
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Did you know....... |
The official
Sanskrit name
for India is
Bharat.
The name `India’
is derived from
the River Indus,
the valleys
around which
were the home of
the early
settlers.
The number
system was
invented by
India.
Aryabhatta was
the scientist
who invented the
digit zero.
Chess was
invented in
India.
Algebra,
Trigonometry and
Calculus are
studies which
originated in
India.
The' place value
system' and the
'decimal system'
were developed
in 100 BC in
India.
The world's
highest cricket
ground is in
Chail, Himachal
Pradesh. Built
in 1893 after
levelling a
hilltop, this
cricket pitch is
2444 meters
above sea level.
India has the
most post
offices in the
world.
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Email:
coffsharbour@escapetravel.com.au
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Qantas Holidays offering 10% OFF
Accommodation!!!! |
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Qantas Holidays is excited to
announce the special offer of 10%
off* any accommodation booking to:
BANGKOK
LONDON
JOHANNESBURG
SINGAPORE and
HONG KONG
when booked in conjunction with any
Qantas Premium Economy Airfare.
Offer is valid for
new Qantas Holidays accommodation
bookings made and deposited between
6 March to 30 April 2008. No travel
date restrictions apply.
Must be
booked in conjunction with a Qantas
Premium Economy Airfare.
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To find out more information, email:
belinda.parmenter@escapetravel.com.au
or
READ MORE >>
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Email:
coffsharbour@escapetravel.com.au
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AUSTRALIAN HOLIDAYS: |
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Cape York - Top of Australia.
Travel from Cairns all the way to Thursday
Island, visiting the Daintree Rainforest,
trekking to Cape York and helping out with
the Turtle Rescue Project along the way. 12
days from $5330* per person twin share land
only. Includes 11 nights accommodation,
local flight, conservation contribution,
tour leader/driver, local guides, transport
(4WD vehicle), most meals, sightseeing and
entrance fees. Tour price is ex Cairns.
READ MORE >>
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Discover Broome & The Kimberley
McAlpine House - Broome: Located in
the centre of ‘Old Broome’ with easy access
to shops, restaurants, galleries, museums
and other attractions. From $1000* per
person twin share land only. Includes 4
nights accommodation, return airport
transfers, Deluxe welcome amenities,
personal laundry service and full gourmet
breakfast daily.
The Kimberley Grand - Kununurra: The
perfect place from which to launch an
unforgettable adventure into one of the most
spectacular and ancient landscapes on
earth. From $440* per person twin share
land only. Includes 4 nights accommodation.
READ MORE >>
PALM COVE - Sea Temple Resort & Spa
Positioned beachfront in desirable Palm
Cove, this world class resort offers guests
total indulgence combined with the exotic
surrounds of this prestigious tropical
destination. 5 nights from $748* per person
twin share land only. Includes 5 nights
accommodation in a 1 bedroom apartment.
READ MORE >>
For more information, email
haydee.payer@escapetravel.com.au or
CLICK HERE for website.
1300-738-888 |
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SOUTH PACIFIC: |
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Vanuatu Bargain Short Break:
Ex Brisbane: 2 nights from just $739* pp
twin share.
Ex Sydney: 4 nights from just $829* pp twin
share.
Includes return flights to Port Vila, return
airport transfers, accommodation,
continental breakfast daily, 1 bonus tour, 1
bonus lunch and taxes payable from
Australia.
READ MORE >>
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Cook Islands JAZZ & BLUES FESTIVAL!
Club Raro
& Cafe Salsa... Sat 29th & Sun 30th March
2008. Two days of music featuring top
musicians from New Zealand, USA, UK & local
based favourites. Holiday from $1215* per
person twin share. Includes return flights
to Rarotonga, 5 nights accommodation,
tropical breakfast daily, return airport
transfers and taxes payable from Australia.
READ MORE >>
FIJI - Amazing Deals at Bedarra Beach Inn!
3 nights accommodation
for the price of 2 nights! 3 nights NOW
from $219* per person twin share land only.
Includes 3 nights accommodation, continental
breakfast daily and return airport
transfers.
READ MORE >>
For more information, email
haydee.payer@escapetravel.com.au or
CLICK HERE for website.
1300-738-888 |
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NEW ZEALAND: |
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Best of the South
3 day Fly/Drive from $519* per person twin
share. Includes return flights to
Christchurch, 3 days Britz Car Hire with
unlimited klms and vehicle insurance and all
prepayable taxes.
READ MORE >>
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SAVE 15% on all OzXposure Tours in New
Zealand.
The Volcano Trail, 11 days
- Auckland to Christchurch: Explore
New Zealand's northern heartland - from the
secluded beaches of the coast to the
volcanic craters and thermal features of the
central plateau. Was: $1910* pp NOW: from
$1624* per person twin share land only.
Grand Island Explorer, 21 days
- Christchurch to Auckland:
The ultimate
adventure tour of New Zealand to the fullest
from the secluded beaches of the coast to
the volcanic craters in the North, to the
glaciers, mountains & fjords in the South.
Was: $2874* pp NOW: from $2443* per person
twin share land only.
New Zealand In Depth, 35 days
- Auckland to Auckland:
The ultimate
adventure tour of New Zealand. Explore New
Zealand like few others have and visit the
off the track areas that most never get to.
This trip is as complete as you can imagine
and will be completely unforgettable. Was:
$5345* pp NOW: from $4544* per person twin
share land only. READ MORE >>
For more information, email
sarah.luck@escapetravel.com.au or
CLICK HERE for website.
1300-738-888 |
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ASIA: |
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China - Limited Duration Airfare.
Save approximately $120* per person with a
China Highlight Limited Duration Airfare. A
comprehensive tour of China's three main
cities. Marvel at China's ancient history
in Beijing and Xian and soak up cosmopolitan
Shanghai bubbly atmosphere. 7 nights from
$2548* per person twin share. Includes
return flights, 6 nights 3-star
accommodation, return airport transfers,
4-berth soft class overnight express train
from Beijing to Xian, local airfare from
Xian to Shanghai, 4 breakfasts, 2 lunches,
sightseeing with entrance fees and taxes
payable from Australia.
READ MORE >>
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For more information, email
belinda.parmenter@escapetravel.com.au or
CLICK HERE for website.
1300-738-888 |
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CRUISING: |
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Sail Australia's Northern Treasures!
Cruise ex
Sydney onboard Rhapsody of the Seas, with
highlights including Brisbane, Hamilton
Island, Cairns, Port Moresby (PNG), Darwin,
Broome, Exmouth and Perth. From $2679* per
person twin share cruise only. Includes 17
night cruise ex Sydney, all meals and
entertainment onboard the ship, port &
government taxes, gratuities on the cruise
and fuel surcharges. Does not include
airfares.
READ
MORE >>
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Expedition Cruise: Patagonia, Tierra Del
Fuego, Cape Horn.
Save
20%*
Explore the southernmost regions of the
earth, sail through fjords and enjoy
breathtaking views of Patagonia and Tierra
del Fuego's spectacular landscapes whilst
aboard the MV Mare Australis.
Ushuaia to Punta Arenas: 3 nights was
$1280*. NOW from $1024* pp twin share
cruise only.
Punta Arenas to Ushuaia: 4 nights was
$1707*. NOW from $1366* pp twin share
cruise only.
Prices include cruise as stated in
accommodation with private facilities, all
meals while onboard the vessel, land
excursions as scheduled and all activities
inside the ship. READ
MORE >>
Barcelona to Istanbul - Onboard Insignia
Revelations and Celebrations.... 14 nights
from $5395* per person twin share cruise
only. Includes 14 night cruise onboard
Oceania Cruises' Insignia, all meals and
entertainment onboard the ship, gratuities
on the cruise, port charges and government
taxes.
READ
MORE >>
For more information, email
dawn.smith@escapetravel.com.au or
CLICK HERE for website.
1300-738-888 |
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AFRICA: |
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Best of Kenya and Tanzania
For the ultimate cultural and wildlife
experience, East Africa is difficult to
beat. From the vast open plains of the Masai
Mara to the amazing wildlife sanctuary of
the Ngorongoro Crater, this safari has it
all.
12 nights from $3885* per person twin share
land only. Includes 12 nights lodge
accommodation, road transportation using
mini-buses in Kenya and 4WD in Tanzania,
English speaking driver/guide, game drives
and park fees and meals as specified in
itinerary.
READ
MORE >>
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Luxury Africa Lodges.
Sabi-Sabi Bush Lodge - Famed for its
warmth, vibrancy and legendary hospitality
that has made this lodge world class. From
$1546* per person twin share land only.
Includes 2 nights accommodation, all meals,
game drives and return transfers from
Mpumalanga airport.
Lion Sands River Lodge - Located on the
banks of the Sabie River, the lodge is about
spirit, warmth, nature and relaxation. From
$1370* per person twin share land only.
Includes 2 nights accommodation, all meals,
game drives, and return transfers from
Mpumalanga Airport.
Lukimbi Safari Lodge - Ensures space and
serenity with game watching from the pool,
relaxed gourmet meals and spectacular
African sunsets. A true wilderness
experience. From $1134* per person twin
share land only. Includes 2 nights
accommodation, all meals, game drives, and
return transfers from Mpumalanga Airport.
Protea Kruger Gate Lodge - Bordering the
Kruger National Park, this lodge is the
ideal location from which to experience
Africa first-hand. From $917* per person
twin share. Includes 2 nights
accommodation, breakfast, dinner, game
drives, and return transfers from
Johannesburg Airport.
READ
MORE >>
For more information, email
peter.elks@escapetravel.com.au or
CLICK HERE for website.
1300-738-888 |
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USA & CANADA: |
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LA & Vegas
Combo..... Let the good times roll!
From $2655* per person twin share.
Includes return flights to Los Angeles,
arrival transfer in Los Angeles, 3 nights
Santa Monica accommodation, City, Stars'
Homes and Shopping Tour, return bus
transfers between Los Angeles and Las Vegas,
3 nights accommodation in Las Vegas, Grand
Canyon Highlights Air Tour and air taxes
payable from Australia.
READ
MORE >>
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LOS ANGELES - Qantas Package.
From $2705* per person twin share. Includes
return Qantas flights to Los Angeles, 4
nights accommodation at Wilshire Plaza
Hotel, 1 day Universal Studios Ticket,
return shuttle transfers and taxes payable
from Australia.
READ
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USA Coastal Self Drive.
California's Pacific
Coast Drive is considered to be one of the
great drives in the world.
It winds its way through classic American
towns, past spectacular beaches, thick
woodlands and magnificent scenery. A
non-stop drive would take around 11 hours,
but if you have the time, it is highly
recommended you take it slowly and really
enjoy what's on offer. From $2389* per
person twin share. Includes return Qantas
airfare to San Francisco, 5 days Hertz Group
A Car Hire, 4 nights accommodation at Hotel
Britton, San Francisco and taxes payable
from Australia.
READ
MORE >>
For more information, email
sarah.luck@escapetravel.com.au or
CLICK HERE for website.
1300-738-888 |
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EUROPE: |
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TASTE OF IRELAND
Discover
the best of Ireland with this 4 night tour!
From $1004* per person twin share land
only. Includes 4 nights accommodation with
private facilities, breakfast daily, 3
dinners, travel in luxury coach, services of
a professional Irish driver/guide, Dublin
sightseeing tour and admission to Dublin
Castle, Blarney Castle, Blarney Woollen
Mills and Muckross House. Does not include
airfares.
READ
MORE >>
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CLASSICAL TURKEY
From the spectacular Mediterranean coast to
whirling dervishes and ancient bazaars.
Turkey is an enchanting land full of
surprises. 10 day tour from $1058* per
person twin share land only. Price includes
4-5 star accommodation with private
facilities, meals, transfers and sightseeing
as per the itinerary, English speaking
guiding throughout, air-conditioned
transportation, luggage handling, tax and
service charges. Highlights include Blue
Mosque in Istanbul, Cappodocia, Pamukkale
and its cascading limestone, Ephesus and
Gallipoli and Troy.
READ
MORE >>
For more information, email
roger.atwal@escapetravel.com.au or
CLICK HERE for website.
1300-738-888 |
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Email:
coffsharbour@escapetravel.com.au
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Pork and potato Vindaloo
Vindaloo curry paste was
first used by the Portuguese
who brought it to India,
where it was enhanced with
spices, garlic and fresh
chillies. It's traditionally
made with pork and has a
very hot heat rating, so if
you prefer a milder flavour,
use 2 tablespoons of paste
instead of three.
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INGREDIENTS:
1 tablespoon oil
650g diced pork
1 onion, cut
into wedges
1/4 cup vindaloo
curry paste
1 1/2 cups water
200g chat
potatoes, cut
into 1cm slices
2 teaspoons
white vinegar
salt and cracked
black pepper
mango chutney,
to serve
cucumber sambal,
to serve (see
note)
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METHOD:
Heat half the
oil in a large
deep frying pan
over high heat.
Add pork, in
batches, and
cook until
browned. Remove
from heat.
Add remaining
oil, onion and
curry paste, and
cook for 2
minutes. Reduce
heat to
medium-low, and
add water, pork
and potatoes.
Cook for 40
minutes.
Stir in vinegar,
salt and pepper.
Serve with mango
chutney and
cucumber sambal.
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Email:
coffsharbour@escapetravel.com.au
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Airport Parking in Coffs Harbour
CLICK HERE for more information |
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1300- 738 -888
* Prices are per person, twin
share (where accommodation/car hire is
included, unless otherwise stated), subject
to availability at the time you make a
booking and conditions apply. Travel date
restrictions apply. Prices may vary due to
changes in taxes, currency and flight
routings. Travel agent booking fees may
apply in addition to prices quoted. Offers
may be withdrawn at any time without notice.
Please see our website for further details.
Kelly Travel
Company, Escape Travel.
PO Box 1224
Suite 3, 144-148 High
St,
(Corner Moonee Street)
Coffs Harbour NSW 2450
Phone: (02) 6651-2747
Fax: (02) 6651-3334
Email:
coffsharbour@escapetravel.com.au
Web:
www.kellytravel.com.au
ABN: 37 067 920 441
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