Travelmarvel Tours & Cruises

Many passengers travel with Travelmarvel on their own. You can choose to pay the single-supplement rate which enables you to be accommodated in a single room or cabin. Alternatively you can choose to be matched up with a person of the same gender and pay the twin-share price. In this instance, accommodation will be in twin-bedded rooms (not applicable on river crusies).

Travelmarvel will endeavour to cater for all special diets and preferences. Please advise Global Journeys of your dietary requirements at the time of booking and we will include the information within your booking to ensure you are catered for appropriately. Please note that in more remote locations options may be more limited.

Travel documents, including your travel kit are sent approximately two to three weeks prior to departure from your home country, provided full payment has been received.

Each passenger is entitled to take one piece of luggage that does not exceed 160cm (63 inches), weight limit 20kg (44 pounds), plus a piece of hand luggage.

Travelmarvel will only pick up or drop off when accommodation is booked with Global Journeys through Travelmarvel, however there are some restrictions that apply to some tours in regards to the number of pick up and drop off options.

Yes, there is a minimum age, which varies between different tours. Please enquire for further details.

Our clients are generally 55+, but more than age a positive attitude is important in a group situation. We have found ages to be as diverse and varied as the sites and attractions you will see on tour.

With Travelmarvel's Deposit Cancellation Cover you can cancel your holiday 100 days prior to travel and retain a full Travelmarvel holding credit of the deposit paid. There are no penalties if a new booking is then made within three years. If you wish for us to include this protection in your quote, please let us know when enquiring.

There may be times when unforeseen events beyond our control impact travel schedules and potentially disrupt cruises, tours, or packages. These include, but are not limited to, severe weather conditions, acts of nature, and government travel advisories. Under such circumstances, it is critical that Travelmarvel be able to contact you immediately and reliably - including nights, weekends, and holidays - to make sure we've informed you of any possible changes to your travel.

Africa is possibly the world's last truly untamed continent, which is why Travelmarvel's extraordinary range of small-group African adventures are so vastly different to anything ever offered before. Our goal is to take guests to experience the raw essence of Africa in the most personalised and intimate manner possible, without compromising on the style, convenience and security that our discerning travellers have come to expect. We've taken the best elements of independent African travel and enhanced them. So join us, explore the wilds of Africa in the finest style imaginable on a true departure from the ordinary.

All coach, rail, accommodation, sightseeing, airfares, park fees, gratuities, port charges, admissions, luggage service (one bag), local guides, services of a Tour Director, and meals (as indicated in each individual itinerary) are included.

Airfares between Australia and Africa, optional tours, meals other than those specified in the itinerary, drinks, laundry, passport and visa fees, excess baggage and vaccinations are not included. Gratuities are not included on the Pre-tour Blue Train Extension (Pretoria to Cape Town) or the Africa extensions. Changes to flight schedules may require you to book additional accommodation and services at your own expense.

Economy flights within Africa and airport taxes are included in the price. This is based on passengers booking an international ticket to Africa with South African Airways. A surcharge may apply if H class for internal flights is not available or flying another airline. If you are flying with another airline, internal flights will be based on best fare available at the time of booking.

Children under twelve years of age are not recommended on tours to Africa. Children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult and share their accommodation with an adult. Game lodges cannot guarantee triple bedding.

All extensions are based on availability at time of booking. Passengers will be assisted by local guides or the Train Manager on Blue Train, as the Travelmarvel Tour Director will not accompany the group. Gratuities are not included.

South African passport control has become very strict. Passports MUST be valid for at least six months from the passengers' return home date. We recommend a validity of nine months to prevent any problems in this regard. There must be at least three blank VISA pages in the passport (not endorsement pages). Guests have been deported for having insufficient visa pages in their passports.

At the time of printing, Australian & New Zealand passport holders are required to obtain appropriate tourist visas before they depart, for entry into Kenya and Tanzania. People of all nationalities will need to contact the relevant consulates for the most up-to-date information on visa requirements. If you hold a passport from another country, check our Passports & Visas page about specific visa and permit regulations.

A Yellow Fever vaccination is required for Tanzania, Zambia, Rwanda and recommended for Kenya. The South African Department of Health has advised that passengers returning from or travelling to Zambia require proof of a Yellow Fever vaccination. In-transit passengers, irrespective of the time period in transit in Johannesburg, still require proof of the Yellow Fever vaccination. Please note that authorities require visitors who've been to East Africa to hold valid Yellow Fever certificates upon re-entry. Antimalarial medication is recommended for Africa. See your doctor or visit a travel clinic at least eight weeks before you travel for your recommended vaccines and/or malaria medication.

Travel is in 4WD vehicles in game parks and all throughout East Africa. Anyone with back conditions or limited mobility should seek advice from their doctor about joining this tour. Dust may also irritate contact lenses, therefore we suggest bringing glasses. In many of the cities and game parks walking is required on uneven ground and gravel paths, and good mobility is needed getting on/off 4WD vehicles, coaches, river ships and trains.

African cuisine offers a vast array of dining experiences from right across the continent. In South Africa's Cape Town, enjoy exotic Cape Malay fare and delicious seafood, while in Zululand experience traditional African cuisine made from fresh local produce. Throughout your trip, be open to wonderful new dining opportunities, such as sumptuous bush dinners in breathtaking African wilderness settings or outdoor boma dining, providing the quintessential African safari meal under the stars. South Africa is also renowned for its world-class wine regions, while there is nothing quite like special sundowner drinks, served after a safari in a beautiful game reserve, as the sun sets.

Citizens of Australia & New Zealand require visas for travel to Vietnam and China which must be obtained prior to departure. If you hold a passport from another country, check with us about specific visa regulations. Read more here.

All coach/cruise and hotel accommodation, airfares (as indicated in individual itinerary), gratuities for Travelmarvel staff, airport transfers on the first and last day, sightseeing, specified excursions, meals, admissions, port charges, luggage service (one bag) and the services of a Cruise/Tour Director and driver as stated in your itinerary.

Airfares between Australia and Asia, airport taxes, laundry (other than that which is included with butler service), passport and visa fees, meals or drinks other than those indicated in your itinerary, excess baggage, fuel surcharges and optional excursions and gratuities not specified in your itinerary.

Economy flights within Asia and airport taxes are included in the price. Airport taxes vary for each departure point and routing of airline. Airline schedules are fares are subject to change without notice. Flights will be based on best fare available at the time of booking, however surcharges may apply. Once air tickets are issued, airline amendment and/or cancellation fees apply and in some cases are non-refundable. Deposits are considered as a guarantee of the invoiced flight arrangements and once deposit received, flights will be ticketed. Name changes and voluntary date and schedule changes will incur fees.

On the Mekong, all meals on board the ship are included. Meals are served in the dining room in a single sitting. Open seating allows you to sit at different tables for each meal if you wish to meet fellow passengers. Table reservations are not accepted. All meals are prepared by local chefs and consist of Western cuisine as well as Vietnamese, Cambodian and Thai. Lunch includes salads, soups, a selection of hot mains and dessert. Dinner is a multi course meal with a selection of main courses. Complimentary soft drinks, juices, local beer, house brand spirits, international house wine, filtered coffee and tea are available throughout the cruise. A wine cellar is available for premium wines and spirits to purchase at an additional cost.

On the Yangtzee, a team of internationally trained chefs and a well stocked wine cellar ensure dining aboard Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer is a superb experience. Innovative menus feature the finest of Chinese and continental cuisine, served with complimentary house wines and other refreshments at all lunches and dinners. Enjoy a hot buffet and salads at lunch and a four course à la carte menu at dinner. Please do not drink the tap water in your suite. Bottled water is placed in your suite daily. Water and ice served in the Explorer Bar and dining room are safe. Tap water in China is generally not safe for drinking.

There is a no cash policy during the sailing. All settlement will be calculated at the time of check out. Please check the invoice to make sure all items are accounted for before payment/closing of the account. Payment is accepted by cash (US dollars or Vietnamese dong), Visa, MasterCard and American Express. In China only card are accepted. Some bank/credit cards may charge a separate fee as well.

The on board language is English. All staff, crew and local guides speak a high standard of English

The climate on Vietnam is tropical in the south; monsoonal in the north with the hot, rainy season (May to September) and warm, dry season (October to March). The climate in Cambodia is also tropical with the rainy, monsoon season in (May to November) and the dry season (December to April). There is little seasonal temperature variation. We have average temperatures and rainfall listed on every itinerary.

With Travelmarvel, the wonders of Canada and Alaska are within your reach and will soon be part of your memory of a truly unforgettable holiday. Travelmarvel's included touring highlights take in all the classic sights of Canada and Alaska, from iconic destinations to the quaint places that embody the diversity of this fascinating part of the world. Travelmarvel recognises that not all travellers have the same interests. That's why we have developed Freedom of Choice touring, allowing you to choose your own activities in selected locations - adding a personal touch to your holiday. With Freedom of Choice Touring you are presented with a selection of different touring activities to choose from in feature locations. Whether it be a nature walk in Jasper, a round of golf in Banff, a Traditional High Tea at The Fairmont Empress in Victoria, or walking tours through the highlights of Montréal or Québec, select the activity that best suits your interests and we will incorporate it into your itinerary.

The places in which you'll stay with Travelmarvel are as exciting as the adventures that await. From the iconic to the contemporary, our hotels and resorts are chosen for their picturesque setting or central location and all share the exacting standards of service and cuisine that you expect from an Travelmarvel holiday. During your West Coast discovery, enjoy luxurious Fairmont properties in the heart of the Rockies and stay close to the action at our Vancouver and Victoria hotels. On Canada's East Coast, stay in landmark hotels that combine stunning architecture, luxurious facilities and attentive service. Click on the hotel name in the day by day itinerary for more information on each property.

Your friendly and professional Great Rail Journeys Tour Manager is with you throughout your rail journey as your Travelmarvel representative. Your Tour Manager will personally help you with any need that might arise to ensure that your holiday is seamless and stress-free. In addition informative local guides will share their hidden secrets or take you to places that are otherwise impossible to find on your own. Our friendly, English-speaking local guides offer special insights and a passion for their home towns.

Hotel rooms in Europe are often smaller than those in Australia. Travelmarvel endeavours to utilise the most suitable accommodation available in each destination to ensure that passengers enjoy high levels of cleanliness, comfort and service. Hotels are hand-picked for their iconic or central locations, offering convenient access to railway stations and local attractions so you can immerse yourself in the culture and natural beauty of the region.

All coach and travel, accommodation, airfares (as indicated in individual itinerary), gratuities, airport transfers on the first and last day, sightseeing, specified excursions, meals as indicated, admissions, port charges and the services of a cruise director as stated in your itinerary. Beer, wine, soft drink is included with lunch and dinner during your river cruise. Beer, wine and soft drink is included with dinner only on the MV Aegean Odyssey Mediterranean cruise. No beverages are included on the Hurtigruten Norwegian cruise.

Airfares (unless stated), airport taxes, laundry, passport and visa fees, food not on the regular table d'hôte menu, beverages unless indicated otherwise, excess baggage, fuel surcharges and optional excursions and gratuities not specified in your itinerary.

Handicapped facilities on board are limited. River cruise vessels are not equipped with wheelchair ramps and hallways and doors may not be wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs. Ships are equipped with an elevator but it does not access all decks. Additionally, motorcoaches and minibuses used for transfers and shore excursions may not be equipped with wheelchair ramps. Any condition requiring special attention must be reported to Global Journeys & Travelmarvel at the time of booking. Facilities and services for passengers with disabilities differ among destinations and, in some cases, may be limited or non-existent. Participants requiring special assistance must be accompanied by a person responsible for and physically able to provide such assistance. Transfers and shore excursions follow a predetermined timetable and thus participants should have no physical impairment(s) that would affect the time schedules or interfere with the rights of other passengers on their holiday.

Gratuities for the land portion of your tour, shore excursions, and on board your river cruise are included in your tour price. Tipping cannot be redeemed for a cash refund. Gratuities are not included on the Hurtigruten Norwegian cruise.

For your convenience, all purchases and paid services on board are billed to your shipboard account. At the end of the cruise, you will receive a total that can be paid with cash or credit card. The ships do not accept payments made by Diners Club cards, prepaid Visa or MasterCard, EFTPOS, Travelex cards or travellers cheques. The on board currency is the Euro.

SoThe timing of the shore excursions on all river cruise ship holiday packages may differ slightly for each package. The published times are a guide only and are subject to change without notice. It is impossible for large coaches to be used for some city sightseeing excursions and many towns and cities will be visited by way of walking tours. For river cruising, clients must be able to climb ramps to embark or disembark river cruise ships. Depending on river levels, these may have a number of steep steps. Holiday packages including time in Switzerland and other alpine regions may include mountain excursions to, at times, high altitudes.

Electricity is 220V. A plug adaptor is necessary if you plan to bring appliances from home. On select Concerto ships there is one Australian power point in each suite. Adaptors can be purchased on board your Travelmarvel ship.

All ships offer internet facilities. Suites have free internet access, and are equipped with a monitor and keyboard (no USB port available). Remember to take all log-ins and passwords with you to log in to your favourite websites. For all ships, wireless internet is also available; however, you need to bring your own laptop or tablet to access the Wi-Fi. As all ships use a satellite system, routing may cause reception to be restricted at times.

Electricity is 220V. A plug adaptor is necessary if you plan to bring appliances from home. On select Concerto ships there is one Australian power point in each suite. Adaptors can be purchased on board your Travelmarvel ship.

Official embarkation of the ship is at 3pm, which gives staff time to prepare your suite. In the case of an early arrival, you may check your luggage onto the ship and enjoy exploring the port city. On departure, check-out is at 9am and luggage may be stored.

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a condition caused by ascending to high altitudes. Some parts of Peru, including Cusco and Lake Titicaca, are situated at an altitude of up to 4000 metres. At these altitudes, the lack of oxygen affects most people to some extent, until they become acclimatised. Some symptoms include headaches, lethargy, dizziness, loss of appetite or just light-headedness. To reduce the symptoms of altitude sickness we recommend that you drink plenty of fluids: water, fruit juice, herbal tea and the local 'mate de coca' and avoid caffeinated and alcoholic beverages.

Once the tour commences, all flights within South America are included. Travelmarvel has chosen the best available connections for your holiday; some of these may be early morning or late afternoon departures. We find flight schedules can change regularly, and our Travelmarvel tour director will keep you informed of any changes that occur while on tour. Since we cannot guarantee pre-assigned seats or do a group check-in ahead of time, your tour director will assist you at the airports.

South American cuisine offers a vast array of foods right across the continent and is world renowned for exceptional quality red meat, especially in Argentina and Brazil. Peru and Chile will offer some of the finest seafood, including ceviche (a raw seafood dish cooked in citrus juice) and sushi. Throughout your trip, there will be a variety of food styles, so be prepared to delight your taste buds. South American wines are a highlight of the trip, and some of the best wine regions in the world are located in Argentina and Chile. There is also a large number of spirits, liqueurs and cocktails that are unique to their associated regions.

Gratuities are included for all of your included meals, hotel charges, Travelmarvel tour director, driver and local guides. See your travel documentation for any variations to the above.

Travelmarvel requires passengers to have a good level of fitness and health to participate in our South American tours. Given the size of South America and the distances covered, the pace of this itinerary can include some long days with early morning starts, which may also be due to airline schedules. When visiting many of the cities and ruins walking is required on cobbled streets, steps (sometimes steep) and uneven footpaths, and a good level of mobility is required. You should be able to stand on your feet for an extended period of time to visit museums and other sites. In the lead-up to your tour we recommend you try to walk for an hour at a time at least three times a week. This will ensure you have the stamina and energy to see and appreciate all of the sites we'll take you to. You should also ensure your walking shoes fit properly and have been broken-in prior to departure. We recommend seeking medical advice prior to your travels. Consult your local doctor for the latest immunisation and medical recommendations.

The dress code on tour is casual. We suggest bringing a pair of good walking shoes, casual lightweight clothing that can be layered, a jacket or parka, and a sweater or windcheater. In the mountainous areas (including Machu Picchu), bring your well-worn runners or boots, warm clothing for the cold nights, and your hat and sunscreen. There are no formal nights or dress requirements, though many people wear smart casual attire for dinners and dressier clothing for some nights out.

All Travelmarvel clients travelling on river tours receive a transfer on the first and last day of the holiday. This will be from the airport to/from either the ship or tour hotel. Transfers must be booked and details advised to Global Journeys at least 60 days prior to travel. A transfer is not included, though may be purchased, should you be arriving or departing on days other than the first and last day of touring. These additional transfers are only applicable when your pre and/or post tour arrangements are booked with Global Journeys & Travelmarvel.

If you have not arranged an arrival transfer with Global Journeys, make your own way to the ship or hotel with the help of the information provided in your trvael documents. If you have independent travel arrangements prior to your Travelmarvel tour and do not have an Travelmarvel transfer, the Tourist Information office at your arrival city will be able to offer assistance with directions to the ship or hotel. If you transfer to the ship on your own, we recommend you call the ship prior to confirm the ships docking location. The Travelmarvel Office is available in case of an emergency.

Arrival transfers are included on Day 1 of your tour. Return transfer is included on the last day of the tour. All flight information must be given to Global Journeys at least 45 days prior to your departure date. If this information is not received we are unable to guarantee the transfer. If pre or post accommodation is booked then transfers cannot be included.