If you've a hankering for visiting Australia or New Zealand, you can save a bundle by taking an escorted vacation with ATS South Pacific Vacations. They've just come out with an offer that saves $1,000 or more off regular prices with their "Companion Flies Free" special covering two deluxe escorted tours to that part of the world. And the departures take place from now through November or December, 2002.
Notice the offer is to fly the companion free, not cover all the companion's expenses once off the plane. Prices quoted here are for departures out of Los Angeles, with first class accommodation, ground transport by bus, 22 meals and comprehensive sightseeing. Prices are based on double occupancy. Air taxes and seasonal supplements for certain departure dates are additional. Guaranteed departures on selected dates.
You're a zealot for New Zealand? Then consider the Scenic Explorer package, covering 15 days and 12 nights (that International Date Line and the air journey itself eat up those nights, they do). For $3,228 for the first person and just $2,145 for the second, you visit both the North and South Islands, including tours of the World Heritage Tongariro National Park, a cruise on Queen Charlotte Sound, and visits then to the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and the historic Olveston House in Dunedin. You're bound to love the World Heritage Westland National Park and the Franz Josef Glacier, not to mention the Fiordland National Park with a cruise on famous Milford Sound, plus a visit to Mount Cook National Park to see the country's splendid Alps. Departures valid through December 5, 2002.
If you savor a visit to Sydney, look over the details of the Sydney, Reef & Islands tour, lasting 16 days (13 nights), prices for the first person being $3,919, the second person $2,651, meaning a savings of more than $1,200 here. Departures valid through November 15, 2002.
The itinerary begins in Sydney, visits the islands of the Great Barrier Reef, with 6 nights alone being spent on Fraser, Hamilton and Dunk there, and a full-day cruise along the reef. You also visit Fitzroy Island, take a 4-wheel drive on Fraser Island, the latter known for its rain forests, creeks, lakes, native birds and abundant wildlife. On Fraser, you'll have a "tucker" barbecue, too. Then it's on to the Mossman Gorge in the World Heritage Daintree National Park, a tour to Kuranda, a Skyrail ride above the rainforest, and an aboriginal dances performance. You also visit Queensland's Sunshine Coast and stay in Surfer's Paradise on the Gold Coast.
For more information on these and other ATS Tours, phone them at 800/423-2880 or visit their Web site, www.atstours.com.