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APT Tours
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APT Group - Past and PresentA family - owned company since its auspicious conception in the 1920s, we began when Bill McGeary built a bus body on a tray truck after a tram strike crippled the city of Melbourne. Through Bill's son Geoff, we pioneered Australia's dynamic travel industry in the 1960's and 70's via a diverse range of modes. Such innovation continues to thrive within us today, now a multi-brand business with an extensive global portfolio of touring and cruising products still owned and controlled by the McGeary family. Now, with a third generation of the family contributing to our success, the benefits of the Company's family - style culture are increasingly apparent. While vigorously pursuing a global vision, the unwavering focus is on delivering a life - enriching and memorable holiday experience for each and every individual that entrusts us with their valuable time and travel. 2007 marks our 80th anniversary. Such longevity in a competitive environment coupled with a proven ability to meet the shifting expectations of the modern holidaymaker is testament to the pioneering spirit upon which the company was founded, and upon which it continues to operate and flourish today.
Through the research and development of new products and the refining of initiatives such as our pioneering Freedom ConceptTM, our unwavering dedication to customer loyalty will continue to be apparent. Primarily, we will keep building on our diverse portfolio of brands in order to create and deliver a variety of unique, all - inclusive and life - enriching experiences. Future growth will be achieved via multi - brand and channel marketing, acquisitions, joint ventures, planned organic growth through new product development and strategic investment in travel industry growth areas. Significantly, we will continue to expand on our present commitment to touring in regions that include Europe, Scandinavia, the Americas and Asia. As the flagship company of the group, Australian Pacific Touring boasts the country's most comprehensive range of premium touring products for Australia and New Zealand. Whether by road, rail, air or sea, the discerning travellers who choose APT do so for the unparalleled style and comfort and for the security inherent in travelling with the region's leading operator. With superb accommodation in distinctive locations and a plethora of included dining and touring options presented by the company's pioneering Freedom ConceptTM, it's little surprise so many people worldwide have discovered the region with APT. It's apparent why they keep returning to the company they trust and no wonder that APT boasts a global reputation for excellence. APT World Discoveries With a distinct but equally impressive identity, APT World Discoveries is fortunate to bask in the reflected glow of APT. Bold decision - making, inspired investments and an innovative approach ensure APT World Discoveries continued success in taking travellers to the world's great destinations. Having made places such as North America, Europe, Russia and Egypt easily accessible for over 30 years, the company recently added Scandinavia, China, Croatia and South America to its expanding list. The investment in two of Europe's recently launched luxury river ships, the ms Amadagio and ms Amalegro, the building of a third ship and the purchase of a GoldLeaf dome carriage on Canada's famous Rocky Mountaineer train best demonstrate APT World Discoveries absolute commitment to global travel and to guaranteeing their valued passengers the very best in touring and cruising. Travelmarvel As a wholly - owned member of the group, Travelmarvel specialise in first - class tours for a value for money price, providing a wide selection of holidays throughout Australia, New Zealand and North America. Taking customers to unique destinations in comfort, Travelmarvel offers people control of their own touring via a range of optional excursions and suggested activities. With Travelmarvel's passionate team, it's about the provision of choice, value, adventure and fun. Newmans Escorted Tours Newmans Escorted Tours have been providing quality touring in New Zealand to travellers from all around the world for over 125 years. In 1996 the APT Group took over Newmans Escorted Tours, known in North America as Horizon Holidays. In doing so, they have maintained the unparalleled levels of service and broad range of active and relaxed experiences that travellers have come to expect. Today, Premier Plus, Premier, First - Class and budget touring is offered, covering all that New Zealand has to offer. Small Group Experiences Our small group experiences venture to some of Australia's most remote destinations, along tracks that wind in accord with the environment, rather than through it. Kimberley Wilderness Adventures In partnership with the Wunan Foundation, representing the East Kimberley's Aboriginal people, Kimberley Wilderness Adventures (KWA) specialise in small group 4WD tours of the Kimberley and provide an exclusive network of remote accommodation for self-drive travellers. Custom-built 4WD vehicles journey rugged terrain, such as the Gibb River Road, to distant locations like Purnululu (Bungle Bungle) National Park and the Mitchell Plateau, where APT's intimate, eco-friendly camps and lodges await. Limited numbers ensure a close interaction with the land and its wildlife, as well as invaluable insight into the cultural significance of the area for local Aboriginal people. Most importantly, KWA functions with the utmost respect to the environment as they take visitors on these comfortable yet extraordinary expeditions. Kangaroo Island Odysseys An integral part of the APT Group for 25 years, Kangaroo Island Odysseys offers small group 4WD discovery of the rare flora and fauna that flourishes on this largely untouched island off the South Australian coast. As the only provider conducting specialist tours in foreign languages as well as English, the company is a favourite among international visitors wanting to taste the island's gourmet produce and witness in close proximity the wonders of South Australia's first settlement. The island is home to over 250 bird species as well as Tamar wallabies, koalas, kangaroos and colonies of Australian sea lions. Visitors can walk among these extraordinary animals, as they remain undaunted by close human presence. Kangaroo Island Odysseys welcome specialist bookings, and have truly carved a niche in touring this natural haven. Specialist Touring Experiences The APT Group's specialist touring experiences cater for smaller but equally discerning niche markets. VIP Touring A multilingual specialist in the Northern Territory, VIP Touring provides French, German, Italian, Mandarin, Spanish and Japanese language tours to both the Red Centre and the Top End, recently adding Aboriginal culture and eco-touring to its already impressive range. With the APT Group at the helm, these tours are carefully researched and specifically designed to cater to the needs of such highly individual international markets, while still taking in all the must-see attractions in the manner afforded those who choose to travel with the region's top tour operator. Botanica World Discoveries Botanica World Discoveries, a partnership between the APT Group and Judy Vanrenen, represents the ideal blend of horticulture and global travel. Designed for garden and gourmet enthusiasts, small group tours combine iconic attractions with parks, villages, homes, castles, mansions, gardens and flower shows worldwide. Guided tours operate in Australia, New Zealand, Europe, North America and Asia, while distinct styles provide a choice between gourmet discoveries, natural wonders or created gardens both public and private. Envisage Tours Envisage Tours is a joint venture between the APT Group and Fran Sirio, who brings an abundance of group travel experience. On an Envisage tour, travellers are not only accompanied by local Tour Directors and Guides but also a Tour Host who escorts them from Australia. This equates to the most attentive service possible in places all throughout the UK, Europe, North America, Africa, Asia, the South Pacific, New Zealand and Australia. Envisage's comprehensive tours are designed with the mature traveller in mind and are all - inclusive of chauffeured home to airport return transfers, airfares, sightseeing and multi night stays in centrally located four or five star accommodation. Youth And Adventure Experiences Connections Connections' mission is to deliver unique experiences that will enrich a traveller's life and expand their horizons. The leading provider of Australia and New Zealand youth and adventure travel experiences within the Southern Hemisphere, Connections takes people out of their comfort zone, leaving them refreshed and with memories that will last a lifetime. Inheriting the APT Group's reliability, financial security and travel expertise, Connections' distinctive trip styles include: Connections Adventures, designed for young travellers aged between 18 and 30-something. Connections Safaris, experiencing the land, the people and the spirit on a small group nature safari. Connections Generation, tours for families, designed for different generations of one family to embark on together. Connections Tailor - made, tours created specifically for individual interests, when a standard itinerary doesn't suit. Topdeck For over 30 years, Topdeck has been presenting an alternative take on European touring. With its inimitable brand of fresh exciting and adventurous touring, Topdeck joined the APT Group in 2004 and still emphasises all - inclusive value for money. As one of the leading providers for the 18-30 touring market, the company is committed to showing all the sights of Europe, from iconic destinations like London, Paris and Rome through to places that draw minimal attention yet truly demonstrate the diversity of this fascinating continent. The philosophy is to provide group tours for individuals and thanks to the dedicated staff this is easily achieved. Specifically, the Tour Leader and Driver adapt each adventure according to the interests and personalities of the people on it, ensuring that each tour differs vastly from the last. Exotic And Luxurious Experiences Adding a lavish touch, these experiences visit the wonders of the world in unfathomable opulence. The Captain's Choice Tour Whether it be by privately chartered train or Qantas Boeing 747, a six - star cruise ship or another deluxe mode of transport, The Captain's Choice Tour access a selection of astonishing cultures and surreal landscapes that most people can only ever dream of. The Company represents a joint venture between founding Managing Director, Phil Asker and his wife Kaye with the APT Group. Travellers can immerse themselves in distant and exotic destinations still highly impractical to reach by mainstream travel methods, throughout Europe, Asia, Africa, Central and South America and the Middle East. A fully qualified doctor accompanies every tour to ensure the medical well - being of all concerned, while dining reflects the area's gourmet produce. Further, the high ratio of Tour Escorts to passengers guarantees the provision of a personalised, attentive and hospitable service unlike any other. With touring all - inclusive, the accommodation oozes opulence, meticulously selected in keeping with the character of the region and the lofty standards upon which the company has based its reputation for over 12 years. Such longevity has produced insight and thus every year itineraries are closely revised and the range changed to encourage repeat travellers. In turn The Captain's Choice Tour produces remarkable adventures, wherever they go. Antarctica Sightseeing Flights The opportunity to take a scenic flight over the world's 'last great wilderness' is an experience that Antarctica Sightseeing Flights have been making possible as a world - leader in their field since 1994. Since 2000, the APT Group's partnership with Croydon Travel and Qantas has seen more than 27,000 people discover the captivating Antarctic region from a prime position just below the clouds, in the comfort of a privately chartered aircraft. In addition to witnessing the dramatic icescape firsthand, passengers' understanding of Antarctica is further enhanced by a panel of experts on board, including accredited Antarctic scientists, glaciologists, explorers, adventurers and mountaineers. Cruising experiences Coasting the world's great oceans and iconic waterways in unrivalled luxury, APT's cruising experiences explore the very soul of some truly divine destinations by water and land. Cruising with APT World Discoveries In Canada and Alaska, APT World Discoveries are one of Australia's only tour providers able to guarantee five - star luxury with the prestigious Holland America Line, whether it's on the west coast, through Alaska's famed Inside Passage, or around New England in Canada's east. In Europe, the APT Group have invested in the 6 - star river ships the ms Amadagio and ms Amalegro, both of which are creating new standards in European cruising. Together, these vessels take discerning travellers over the majestic Rhine and Danube rivers through the heart of Europe to iconic cities and quaint villages. Together, they typify the APT Group's commitment to European river travel. APT World Discoveries also cruise in the Ionian, Aegean, Mediterranean, Black and Adriatic seas and the Atlantic Ocean, to a range of unique coastal ports. In Scandinavia, first - class ships cruise the Fjords and the Baltic Sea, while a 12 - day exploration of Russia is also available by water. Further afield, the treasures of Egypt are made accessible by a Nile River cruise and China's Yangtze River plays host to the impressive Viking Century Sky for four days of discovery. Meanwhile, the South America Explorer Cruise aboard Holland America Line's ms Rotterdam journeys from Brazil's Rio De Janeiro around the tip of the continent to Santiago in Chile. Cruising with Travelmarvel Offering more affordable cruising, Travelmarvel utilises budget level cabins on the same luxurious vessels as APT and APT World Discoveries. With Travelmarvel's value for money touring, the emphasis is on cruising experiences - the places you'll see and the distinctive vantage point offered on water. Cruising with Australian Pacific Touring Interspersed throughout APT's land tours are cruises that compliment the intricate itineraries in place, taking in aquatic highlights such as Queensland's colourful Great Barrier Reef, stunning Milford Sound in New Zealand and Tasmania's Gordon River. APT also offer extended cruising in select places. Tours to Australia's Kimberley can incorporate up to 10 nights on a luxurious small ship coastal cruise. On Queensland's Cape York 4WD Wilderness Expedition, seven nights are spent cruising from Cape York to Cairns and in New Zealand, the ms Statendam ensures you'll encounter the coast in style. Cruising with The Captain's Choice Tour The Captain's Choice Tour runs several decadent cruises in keeping with the company's outstanding reputation. Recently, The Captain's Choice Tour have seen customers gliding along the waters of the Danube, circling the Galapagos Islands, taking in Laos from the Mekong River and cruising from Costa Rica via the famous Panama Canal and Central America's Caribbean coast to sun - drenched Florida. The Captain's Choice Tour style of cruising ensures your pleasure is as much in the journey as in the destination. |
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