Recommend July 2013 - (Page 62)

SWAIN TOURS JOE MCNALLY/TOURISM AUSTRALIA Swain Tours today is a formidable presence in Australia known for its comprehensive tours of Africa and Southeast Asia. Despite its growth, it remains a family enterprise mirroring Swain’s vision to “create unique and interesting travel experiences customized to the individual client’s needs and desires.” With deep roots in all things Australian, it’s no wonder that Swain markets some of the most interesting tours in the Land Down Under. It’s a land with deep roots in the outdoors and sometimes it seems that Australia and adventure are synonymous when it comes to travel. active tour samplings - Ian Swain, President, Swain Tours “[Australia] is already one of the world’s great adventure destinations and will continue to grow as such. There are always new and exciting experiences being delivered in Australia.” Both photos: Australia is a playground for nature enthusiasts. ⏟ 62 july 2013 60-65 SP Australia.indd 62 Presently, Swain offers a wide variety of options that present that adventurous and active side, although all of Swain’s tours are customized, so these tours are simply suggested tours. For example, its Grand Circle tour (from $4,870 pp dbl, without airfare), is a 13-night journey full of activities and sights sure to delight active travelers. Touching on activity-ﬁlled outdoor destinations like Alice Springs, Adelaide, Kangaroo Island, Uluru and the Great Barrier Reef before winding up with a 3-night stay in Sydney, the tour includes air transportation within Australia, some meals, guided hiking tours and harbor cruises. Beyond this suggested itinerary, Swain throws in a bunch of Extras that you and your clients should deﬁnitely look into. For example, the Dreamtime and Bushtucker Tour takes guests on a culinary adventure as they sample “Witchetty Grub,” or some kangaroo tail, and learn about dreamtime and spiritual beliefs, bush survival, and the marriage and social system. This tour provides a rare opportunity to meet and interact ﬁrst-hand with traditional elders, men, women and children from the Warlpiri tribe. Another extensive and comprehensive tour that Swain can customize is Circle Australia (12 nights from $3,625 pp dbl; airfare to Australia is not included), which includes sunset hikes along Uluru, dives in the Great Barrier Reef, hot air balloon excursions, trips into Kata Tjuta to visit the astounding rock formations known as “The Olgas” and to experience dinner under the stars while listening to the sounds of the Outback, hikes deep into the Australian savannahs, and white-water rafting near Cairns on the Tully River for class III and IV rapids. While in Sydney, say on the 5-night Sydney Sampler, with rates starting at $635, one of Swain Tours’ suggested add-ons is the Sydney Classic Bike Tour (from about $105 pp), a two-wheel trek that winds through the city’s streets with more than 30 stops, including recommend.com 6/19/13 2:58 PM http://www.recommend.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Recommend July 2013

Editor's Notes
Hotel Desk: Eleven Experience
Tour Talk: DuVine Cycling + Adventure
Expedition Cruising: Explore the Unexplored
Eleven Experience's Chalet Pelerin
Brazil Travel Planner
Grand Solmar Land's End Resort & Spa
Guatemala Travel Planner
Latin America Specialist Courses
The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs
5 Ways to Adventure in North America
Swain Tours Shines in the Land Down Under
Seeing African Wonders Through a Viewfinder
Trinidad & Tobago
Soaring to New Heights in Saint Lucia

Recommend July 2013