New Destinations
to explore in 2008 & 2009
Shaggy Ridge, Italy, Egypt Jordan Syria
Welcome to our Summer Edition Email Newsletter. In Back Track's typical adventurous spirit, we keep searching for new and exciting destinations to add to our list of holidays. In this issue we're proud to present 3 new holiday destinations: Shaggy Ridge in '08, Italy in '08 and Egypt, Syria and Jordan in '09. Though not a new destination for us, we have a new exclusive trek in Nepal - Hidden Annapurna.
Each holiday has been carefully researched to offer you one of the best small group holiday adventures. Shaggy Ridge is a physically challenging holiday; while Italy offers a relaxed and indulgent tone by which to discover this beautiful country. Egypt, Syria and Jordan offer a holiday experience that is easy to settle into, active but not too physically demanding.
All Back Track holidays are for those who love the great outdoors and wish to immerse themselves in interesting cultures in exotic locations. When you join one of our holidays, no matter where you live, you’ll receive our full support to ensure you’re well organised for the best holiday of your life.
Call us for more information 1300 669 780 or email us, or visit our website: www.backtrack.com.au
Emma draws the LUCKY Navman WINNER
Emma Mackay joins our team as an International Travel Consultant having worked in that role for many years in Europe, South Africa and Australia. Emma is seen here with the winning name, drawn from all the names of Back Track clients booked to go on our holidays in 2008. The name of the lucky winner of the Navman portable GPS navigation system and car mounting kit is, Clayton MacDonald who is booked on Team 2 Kokoda. Congratulations Clayton, have a great holiday and enjoy your prize compliments of the Back Track Adventures Team.
TREK THE KOKODA TRACK THIS ANZAC DAY
17 groups > April – October 2008 | Grading: Challenging
Due to a last minute cancellation, there are now 3 places available for Anzac Day in Team 2 (24 April to 04 May) which will celebrate Anzac Day on the Kokoda Track. Get in quick if you would like to join us for Anzac Day. It will be an event you will never forget.
With our attentive support, assistance in your preparation, sensible itinerary and professional team of trek leaders, we will make your Kokoda adventure a holiday. There’s time to meet the locals, involve yourself in the heroic war history, appreciate the beautiful jungle environment, and enjoy the total outdoor experience. Learn more >>
WHAT'S IT LIKE ON THE KOKODA TRACK
Wondering what a trek over the Kokoda Track involves, come along to our next Kokoda information night on Wednesday 27th February from 6.30pm to 7.45pm.
Click here to view our Information Night calendar>>
Pictured top: Sid Telford from Allora Qld, at the grave of his Uncle of the same name at Bomana War Cemetery Port Moresby. Pictured bottom: Men of the 2/14th Battalion heading over the Kokoda Track to join the 39th Battalion at the Battle of Isurava.
NEW >> SHAGGY RIDGE - New brochure released
27 July – 08 August 2008 | Grading: Challenging
STOP PRESS: ONLY 4 PLACES LEFT
In our last issue we announced our new Shaggy Ridge holiday - many who have trekked with us, especially on the Kokoda Track, have expressed an interest to return to PNG and learn more about the exploits of our fighting men during the campaigns of WWII. In July 2008 we are going back to do just that - we are returning to explore another remarkable battlefield: Shaggy Ridge in the Ramu Valley. Learn more >>
Pictured: Men from B company 2/12 Battalion just returned to camp having silenced a Japanese mountain gun on Shaggy Ridge
NEW >> ITALY IN SPRING & AUTUMN in 2008
Spring: May 2008 | Autumn: September/October 2008 | Grading: Relaxed & Indulgent
Indulge and pamper yourself in beautiful Italy. Dave Lowe, tour leader, has made an art form of taking special care of his small groups that he escorts around the tantalizing sites of Tuscany, the Lakes and Umbria. From the time you sip your first complimentary champagne, you know you have made the right choice. Dave strives for a very relaxed, fun and light-hearted approach to travel and his charming Italian assistant Dante certainly adds flavour to the experience.
While you stay at 3 and 4 star hotels, the emphasis is still on informal relaxation. You will soon slip into the wonderful Italian style breakfasts as well as the 3 course dinners. There is plenty of time for shopping and exploring and Dave will also assist you with any arrangements during your free time. Learn more >>
NEW >> EGYPT JORDAN SYRIA in 2009
April 2009 | Grading: Easy
Egypt, Jordan and Syria have long been favoured destinations of dedicated travellers. The sheer majesty of the Pyramids of Giza, the sublime beauty of the lost city of Petra and the colour and vibrancy of the covered market of Damascus will astound you.
Back Track’s new Middle East adventures take in the best attractions of these countries. Accompanied throughout by local, English speaking guides and a Back Track Tour manager, we explore, discover and enjoy these ancient lands.
The EGYPT highlights include a cruise on the Nile, a 4WD journey into the Western Desert and the fabled temples of Luxor and Abu Simbel. Learn more >>
JORDAN offers up crusader forts, Wadi Rum where we enjoy the warm hospitality of the Bedouin and the well preserved Roman city of Jerash. Learn more >>
SYRIA is living history. We visit Crak des Chevaliers described by Lawrence of Arabia as “the finest castle in the world”, the ancient ruins of Palmyra; and Aleppo, a picture postcard maze of cobblestoned laneways. Learn more >>
Pictured top: Tour leader, Ray Baker reading the Jordan Times while floating in the Dead Sea.
The great southern africa safari
17 August – 11 September 2008 | Grading: Easy
Our aim is to give you the best holiday you have ever had. The safari crew will strive to ensure that you experience the areas we visit in an up close and personal manner and in a very comfortable style. You will never feel isolated from the local people and their culture and of course you will be in the 'Great African Outdoors' with its amazing wildlife reserves, spectacular scenery and the number one attraction, the African wildlife. This unique itinerary is designed to give you a look at some of the most popular and “off the beaten tourist track” attractions in southern Africa. Learn more >>
Pictured: Your safari Crew, ready to make your safari the holiday of a lifetime.
MOROCCO
03 October – 25 October 2008 | Grading: Moderate
For 20 days in Morocco, we wander through mysterious souqs, explore fascinating ancient sites, stroll through quaint villages, explore the High Atlas Mountains on beautiful trails over 5 easy walking days, venture into the Sahara for an amazing desert experience and relax on an Atlantic beach. You’ll visit romantic destinations such as Marrakech, Fes and Casablanca. Learn more >>
THE INCA EMPIRE
22 September - 15 October 2008 | Grading: Moderate
The lure of visiting Peru’s Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas and one of the greatest adventure travel icons in the world is enough alone to make this holiday one of our most popular over the last 10 years. This is a very comfortable holiday using good accommodation and private transport throughout while exploring Indian markets, remote communities and experiencing fascinating people and culture. Learn more >>
KILIMANJARO SAFARI
04 June – 24 June 2008 | Grading: Challenging
If your ambition is to summit Mt Kilimanjaro, Back Track offers you the best chance of success. To help you acclimatise, we do a pre-Kili trek on Mt Meru and we have extended the normal itinerary to climb Kilimanjaro by an extra day. Why go to Africa and not see the wildlife? At the conclusion of your Kilimanjaro ascent we head into the world famous Serengeti Eco System on a camping safari. You’ll view plenty of wildlife. A very popular classic adventure that has proven very successful. Learn more >>
Pictured: Tour leader Ian Arnold (on left) on the summit of Kilimanjaro (5895m)
Trek nepal
Back Track Adventures offer 2 exciting and Challenging trekking options in Nepal:
NEW >> HIDDEN ANNAPURNA: 02 October – 20 October 2008
An exclusive Back Track Adventures itinerary on stunningly beautiful trails previously undiscovered and suitable for anyone wanting a wild, remote, mountain trek experience. Learn more >>
EVEREST BASE CAMP & Gokyo Lakes: 28 September – 20 October 2008
Stand in awe, inspired by the breathtaking beauty of Mt Everest and triumphant conquest of Sir Edmund Hillary, surrounded in an unforgettable 360 degree panorama of the Himalaya. Walk amongst the highest, most majestic mountains on earth. Visit the Sherpa villages and monasteries. Trek the 5632m ‘hill’ of Kala Patar. Learn more >>
NEPALESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATION
You’re invited to attend the celebration on Saturday 12th April from 5.30-10.30pm at the Marymac Reception Centre, 616 Ipswich Road, Annerley. Admission is $30 for adults and $15 for children under 15 years of age. There’ll be singing and dancing performances by members of the Brisbane Nepalese community, a sumptuous meal prepared by the chef from the Tibetan Kitchen, an audio visual presentation, raffles, prizes and much more. Come on your own or book a table with friends. Tickets can be purchased over the phone from Jim Drapes at Back Track Adventures on 3850 7600. All profits to aid the projects of the Nepal Australia Friendship Association (NAFA). An Ausaid approved Association. Learn more >>
NEW BACK TRACK HOLIDAY GRADINGS
Up until now, all our holidays have been graded from Easy through to Challenging to give you an idea of how physically demanding they may be. With the introduction of our Italy in Spring and Autumn holidays, we needed to come up with a new Grade, because our grading system was not indicative enough of the relaxed nature of these new trips.
Introducing our new grade: RELAXED & INDULGENT: Suitable for anyone in good health looking for a fully escorted, relaxed and carefree style holiday staying in comfortable accommodation. You choose how physical you want the holiday to be. Holidays are usually based in one location for several days so we can explore at leisure before moving on to the next place of interest. Click here to learn more about our holiday gradings>>
INformation Evenings
Back Track Travel Centre conducts regular information nights using digital image projection. We provide detailed
information about the world’s most exciting Adventure Holidays. Although there is no charge, we do ask that you phone
and make a reservation. If you would like to arrange an information evening for your group, contact us to see what we
can arrange. We generally run these sessions on a Tuesday and Wednesday evening from 6.30pm. Click here for a complete programme of upcoming presentations.
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