Travel Blog

Our adventure began in the bustling city of Barcelona. Staying right in the heart of the city allowed us to immerse ourselves in its vibrant atmosphere. We started with a sightseeing tour that took us down the famous La Ramblas, a lively street filled with shops, cafes, and street performers. One of the highlights was the entrance to the Sagrada Familia, Gaudí's masterpiece. The sheer grandeur and intricate details of this basilica left us in awe. We explored the Gothic Quarter, a labyrinth of narrow medieval streets, and went to a paella cooking class.

We visited the charming towns of Leida and then headed to Zaragoza, San Sebastian with its Coastal Charm and Cultural Riches and Bilbao where we visited the famous Guggenheim Museum. Our journey continued to the breathtaking Picos de Europa National Park. We spent two nights surrounded by nature’s splendour, exploring the park and even taking a funicular ride for stunning panoramic views.

Crossing into Portugal we started with a guided foodie tour of Porto, famous for its wine. Tasting the local delicacies and exploring the city’s vibrant food scene was a delightful experience. A highlight in Malveira was a Pastel de Nata baking class, where we learned to make these delicious Portuguese custard tarts.

In Lisbon, we participated in a tile painting workshop and in Sintra we the enchanting Quinta da Regaleira Villa and Gardens. In Seville, we participated in a flamenco workshop, and in Granada we indulged in a tapas tour and a guided tour of the Alhambra and Generalife Gardens. Our journey concluded in Madrid with a day trip to Toledo. We ended our adventure on a high note with a farewell flamenco dinner and show, a fitting conclusion to our cultural odyssey.

This 24-day trip was a whirlwind of experiences, each destination offering its own unique charm and history. From the artistic wonders of Barcelona to the natural beauty of the Picos de Europa, and the cultural richness of Lisbon and Seville, every moment was unforgettable. Spain and Portugal’s vibrant cultures, delicious cuisines, and historic landmarks make them a must-visit for any travel enthusiast.

Traveling together, we've shared laughter that echoed through ancient streets and tears that brought us closer together. The support and camaraderie was nothing short of extraordinary. Your unwavering encouragement, empathy, and joy have not only made this trip unforgettable but also reaffirmed the very reason I do this job.

To the amazing women that travelled with me; thanks for the stories, the late-night chats, the adventures, and the moments of sheer joy. Your presence and spirit enriched this journey in ways words can barely describe.

Here's to the memories we've made, the friendships we've deepened, and the many more adventures to come. I am profoundly grateful for each of you and look forward to our paths crossing again soon.

We arrived at Venice Airport to our waiting water taxis that took us across the lagoons and down the Grand Canal where the magic of Venice opened up.  A city built on more than 100 islands, lined with Renaissance and gothic palaces, it was love at first sight!. Our hotel was centrally located and within minutes of the Rialto Bridge and an easy walk to St. Mark's Square.

What a great start to our tour as we explored and got lost in the maze of the many calli(paths/streets) but hey we were in Venice! We visited the Doges Palace, St Mark's church and people watched as we sat in St Mark's Square.

Onto the medieval city of Verona and the setting for Shakespeare's play "Romeo & Juliet" besides the must-visit to Juliet's house the city also boasts the "Arena di Verona" a roman amphitheatre, famous for its acoustics and opera performances.

A 2-hour drive and we were at picturesque Lake Como, set at the foothills of the Swiss/Italian Alps that divide the two countries. Our hotel was in the town of Como and within a short walk to the lake with its waterfront esplanade. An easy morning walking tour of the city followed by a visit to the mountaintop town of Brunate with its panoramic views of the lake but the best was yet to come - we hired a couple of speed boats and had an hour on the lake, enjoying its stunning natural beauty and historic villas, sadly no George Clooney! Milan was only a short drive away where we were met by our local guide Yulia who walked us through the beautiful Galleria, Milan Duomo (visited from outside due to a sudden closing) and Szforza Castle. The following morning and travelling south we arrived at La Spezia Port where we boarded our boat and sailed along the rugged 5 Terre coastline, stopping at the villages of Vernazza and Monterosso, what a glorious and relaxing day it was.

En route to Florence, we stopped at the walled town of Lucca and then Pisa before arriving in Florence for our 3-night stay.

Our local guide was exceptional as we explored the main sights of Florence whilst taking the smaller streets and lanes that transversed the city.  A visit to the Accademia Gallery is a "must" where the imposing, magnificent statue of Michelangelo's David is housed. A walking "foodie tour" allowed us to enjoy the local Tuscan cuisine with plenty of time for shopping at the shops and local leather markets. Leaving Florence we travelled through the lush green rolling hills with olive trees, Tuscan cypresses and pencil conifers that is the Tuscan countryside. The first stop was in the township of Reggello at an olive oil producer with a masterclass in olive oil and tasting. Next was the medieval town of San Gimignano known for its tall towers and the home of the best gelato in Italy! The day continued to get better as we visited a local winery for some wine tasting accompanied by local cheeses, salami and bruschetta before heading to our overnight villa accommodation nearby. Our itinerary continued with an overnight stop in Siena followed by Orvieto where we stopped for lunch at one the most beautiful rustic and romantic wineries -  the wine was good too!

Our last stop Rome "The eternal city " and Italy's capital, bustling with over 400 churches and hidden treasures.

Our orientation walking tour took in the main sights, Spanish Steps, the vibrant Piazza Navona, Pantheon,Trevi Fountain, and Piazza Venezia with an option taken by most to also visit inside the Colosseum. The following day was at leisure, allowing time to revisit some of the sights, shop or explore the city. The Vatican(the smallest country in the world) centre of the Catholic religion, housing an impressive museum, artworks by masters along with the magnificent work of Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel can not be missed. Our tour had come to an end, we had experienced Italy's history, art and culture along with its natural beauty of Lake Como, the Ligurian coast and the Tuscan countryside. So many wonderful memories were shared with "faces" that we first saw 3 weeks ago at our Zoom meeting to who now have become "sisters" and long life friends.

Deck Plan for RV Aspara Mekong River Cruise

We met bright and early on Friday morning to begin our Aussie Outback Adventure. Just a short flight from Melbourne, we were excited to see Uluru from our plane in the red center of this big wide land. Coming in the spirit of fun and friendship, on our first night together dining under the stars, it felt like we’d known each other for a long time. This was the magic of Uluru. We sat at large round tables, eating fine bush tucker food, gazing at the stars while learning from indigenous people’s perspective. Up early again the next morning, we watched the sunrise over Uluru as we had breakfast, listening to the creation stories inspired by the rock. That afternoon we visited Kata Tjuta, formerly known as ‘The Olgas’ made up of 36 domes. Also, a powerful sacred site, Kata Tjuta is the men’s place. We enjoyed taking spectacular photos with vibrant contrasting colors, to keep forever. That evening we went to the spectacular “Field of Lights.” As the sun went down, we had drinks and canapes while watching the thousands of lights come on. What a wonderful way to celebrate Lynda’s birthday! Kings Canyon was the destination for Sunday, a long drive from Uluru, where we had a choice of walks along the sandstone walls and chasms. Most of us opted for the beautiful Creek Bed Walk. The next day was the long anticipated base walk around Uluru. It was 12 kms in total and gave us a close-up experience of the sacred sites, caves, waterholes, and rock art; something we’ll never forget. To top it all off, that evening we rode camels through the desert as the sun set behind Kata Tjuta. What a privilege to ride these majestic creatures as the desert colors changed with the light. Exhilarated and tired, we left the red centre, having shared so many wonderful new experiences with our new friends. The sisters all say they will be back!

Hayley - I have been asked to say some words to express our gratitude to you and the team of Sisterhood Womens Travel for this wonderful holiday to Bali.

You have enabled us within the security of this group to absorb the culture and vibrancy of Bali.

You have tailor-made this tour to allow us to appreciate the community of people who live here and call Bali home. The Balinese people have opened their arms and hearts to each of us and shared everything Bali from …. Mountains, waterfalls, rice paddies, bustling markets, sunlit beaches and tranquil temples.

We have learned on this journey that our tummy’s hold our emotions and that we need to open our minds and hearts to release our fears, our worries, and to draw in the harmony and peace of Bali and the spirituality that surrounds us.

It is because of you, Hayley with your kind and approachable nature that has guided us, that elevates our experiences and create special moments.

You have taken your passion for travel developing a company that truly enriches women’s lives.

11 days ago most of us met as strangers but I can confidently say that we part as friends and sisters, who have bonded together to take home with us happy memories and a piece of Bali that will stay with us forever

Thank you Hayley.

There's something about our Free & Easy Bali that brings out the nurturing, supportive side of women.  A great way to experience the beauty of Bali, including Ubud and surrounds. From the minute we met at the airport, it was excitement, laughter and chats all around; the magic of new friendships had begun to weave its path. Our home in Ubud for the next nine nights was a small, family-run, boutique property with the gorgeous pool quickly becoming the Sisterhood meeting point.  If it wasn't the pool, it was Lily's the nearby Spa where many a sister could be seen enjoying a variety of treatments and pampering. Optional sightseeing enjoyed included a special purification ceremony at Tirta Empul (and the making of our own offerings), a visit to a coffee plantation (mangosteen tea for me!), mystical Batakaru Temple, a visit to UNESCO world heritage Jatiluwih Rice Paddy terraces, the Temple on the Lake and Virgin Beach for an afternoon of swimming and relaxing. During free time, many girls were happy to buddy up and wander through the Ubud markets for shopping, enjoy a batik painting class and jewellery-making class. On one free day, a group of us went to Ulu Petanu Waterfalls for a swim whilst others were happy to visit Fresh Spa for more pampering. Each night, we would regroup and enjoy dinner together at some of the popular restaurants within walking distance from our fabulously located accommodation. A visit to Prana Spa and sunset watching at the popular Gado Gado in Seminyak were also a highlight. What I loved the most about our tour were the conversations and the vulnerability shared amongst us all. A safe space to share life stories, hopes and dreams and I thank all the girls for embracing new friendships and just having an amazing, free and easy adventure.

ABILITY TO TRAVEL & TOUR ACTIVITY LEVELS

Our tours are designed for women who can travel independently as part of a group. If you're unsure whether a tour is suitable for you, please contact Sisterhood Central before booking. We'd love to help you choose the right adventure.

To ensure every traveller enjoys a safe, comfortable and rewarding holiday, it is important that you carefully consider your health, mobility and overall fitness before booking.

Our tours are not suitable for travellers who require personal care, one-to-one assistance or ongoing support from Sisterhood Tour Hostesses or fellow travellers.

As a minimum, you must be able to independently:

Walk for two to three hours throughout the day at a comfortable group pace.
Walk confidently on uneven surfaces including cobblestones, gravel paths, sand and natural terrain.
Walk up and down hills and multiple flights of stairs without assistance.
Stand for extended periods during sightseeing, museum visits, airports, and queues.
Independently manage your own luggage throughout the tour, including lifting it where reasonably required.
Get on and off coaches, trains, boats and other forms of transport independently, and safely get in and out of showers over baths, which are still found in some hotels.
Manage your own personal care, medication and daily needs.
Cope with varying climates including heat, humidity and cold.
Participate in the tour without requiring personal assistance or supervision from Sisterhood Womens Travel staff or fellow travellers.

Walking aids, wheelchairs, and mobility scooters may not be suitable on many of our tours due to the nature of the destinations visited. If you use any mobility aid, please contact Sisterhood Central before booking so we can discuss whether the tour is suitable.

TOUR ACTIVITY LEVELS

Every Sisterhood tour has been assigned a Tour Activity Level to help you choose the holiday best suited to your abilities.

Our Activity Levels consider the overall physical demands of each tour, including walking distances, terrain, stairs, climate, pace of travel, transportation, sightseeing and the amount of time spent on your feet throughout the day.

Please remember that every itinerary is different. Some days may be more physically demanding than others, and these ratings should be used as a guide only.

Level 1 – Relaxed

A slower-paced holiday with minimal physical demands. Walking is generally leisurely on mostly even surfaces, with plenty of opportunities to rest and enjoy free time. Suitable for travellers who prefer a more relaxed holiday style while still being able to travel independently.

Level 2 – Easy

Suitable for travellers with a good basic level of fitness. Expect regular walking throughout the day, occasional stairs and gentle inclines. Most sightseeing is on paved surfaces, although some uneven paths and cobblestones may be encountered. You should be comfortable remaining on your feet for moderate periods and independently boarding and disembarking various forms of transport.

Level 3 – Moderate

Suitable for travellers with a moderate level of fitness who enjoy active sightseeing. Expect longer walking days, extended periods on your feet, and a variety of terrain, including cobblestones, uneven paths, hills, and stairs. Some days may involve more walking than others, and access to a coach may not always be available near attractions. You should be confident in maintaining the group's pace throughout the day.

Level 4 – Active

Suitable for active travellers with a good level of stamina. Expect longer and more physically demanding sightseeing days with steeper inclines, uneven terrain, historic sites, limited opportunities to rest and a faster touring pace. You should be comfortable remaining active for much of the day and managing your own luggage where required.

Level 5 – Challenging

Designed for travellers seeking physically demanding adventures. These tours may include extended hikes, trekking, cycling, high altitudes, rugged terrain or other challenging activities. A high level of fitness, endurance and mobility is essential to fully enjoy these experiences.

If you are unsure whether a tour is suitable for your level of fitness or mobility, please contact Sisterhood Central before booking. We are always happy to discuss the physical requirements of any tour and help you choose the holiday that is right for you.

TRAVELLING AS A GROUP

One of the great joys of travelling with Sisterhood Womens Travel is experiencing each destination together.

Our itineraries are carefully planned to maximise your holiday experience and operate to a schedule with pre-booked transport, guided sightseeing, restaurant reservations and timed entries.

For this reason, our itineraries cannot be altered or slowed to accommodate an individual's mobility, health or fitness limitations. We ask all travellers to ensure they can comfortably maintain the pace and physical requirements of their chosen tour so that every member of the group can enjoy the experience as intended.

HEALTH & MEDICAL DISCLOSURE

Your Fit to Travel Declaration forms part of your booking conditions.

When completing your booking, you must accurately disclose any medical, physical, cognitive or mental health condition that could affect your ability to participate safely and independently on tour.

This includes, but is not limited to:

Mobility limitations.
Heart or respiratory conditions.
Neurological conditions.
Cognitive or memory impairments.
Mental health conditions that may affect group travel.
Recent surgery or planned medical procedures.
Any condition that may require assistance during the tour.

Providing this information allows us to determine whether the tour is suitable and, where possible, discuss any reasonable adjustments before confirming your booking.

If you intentionally or inadvertently fail to disclose information that may reasonably affect your ability to participate safely and independently, Sisterhood Womens Travel reserves the right to decline or terminate your participation in the tour if, acting reasonably, we believe your continued participation may impact your own safety, the enjoyment of other travellers or the safe operation of the tour.

TRAVELLERS REQUIRING ADDITIONAL SUPPORT

We warmly welcome women of all abilities wherever reasonably possible.

However, if you require assistance with mobility, personal care, medication, communication or other daily activities, you must travel with a companion who is capable of providing that assistance for the duration of the tour.

Sisterhood Tour Hostesses are responsible for the smooth operation of the tour and the well-being of the group as a whole. They are not trained carers, nurses or personal support workers and cannot provide personal care, medical assistance or one-to-one supervision.

For the safety and enjoyment of all travellers, Sisterhood Womens Travel reserves the right to assess a traveller's ability to safely participate both before and during a tour. If, acting reasonably, we believe a traveller is unable to continue without placing themselves, other travellers, or the tour at risk, or requires a level of assistance beyond what Sisterhood can reasonably provide, we reserve the right to withdraw that traveller from part or all of the tour. Any additional costs incurred will be the traveller's responsibility.

CHANGES TO YOUR HEALTH

If your health, mobility or personal circumstances change after completing your Fit to Travel Declaration, you must notify Sisterhood Central as soon as reasonably practicable and before your departure.

This allows us to reassess whether the tour remains suitable for your circumstances.

If your changed circumstances mean you can no longer safely participate independently, we may cancel your booking in accordance with our Conditions of Travel. We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance that includes cancellation cover.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITY

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the health, mobility and fitness required for your chosen tour.

Sisterhood Womens Travel will not be liable for any injury, illness, loss, damage or additional expense arising from your failure to disclose relevant medical information or from undertaking a tour that exceeds your physical capabilities.

If you are unsure whether a tour is suitable for you, please contact Sisterhood Central before making your booking. We are always happy to discuss your individual circumstances and help you choose the holiday best suited to your abilities.

Our aim is never to discourage anyone from travelling. Rather, we want every woman to choose the tour that best matches her abilities so she can travel confidently, comfortably and enjoy every moment of her Sisterhood adventure. We'd much rather have a conversation before booking than see you disappointed once your holiday begins.

What a welcome we got at Nairobi Airport from our amazing Kenyan Guides- George, Alex and Martin accompanied by a few bottles of bubbles! The long flight was instantly forgotten and we were straight into it. Nairobi was fascinating with a visit to The Giraffe Centre and the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage where the baby orphans entertained and delighted us. We enjoyed a delicious lunch at The Karen Blixon Coffee Garden followed by an informative tour of the Museum which brought back memories of the epic movie " Out of Africa''. 

Our safari adventure started on day 3 where we loaded up in our 3 jeeps and headed off via The Rift Valley to Lake Nakuru. We loved the drive and swore never to complain about Australian roads again as we bumped, swerved and sloshed through unsealed tracks and roadways with our skilful drivers. Our first glimpse of zebra was so exciting and it only got better and better. Over the next 7 days in Kenya we hunted down The Big 5 - ( albeit only a glimpse of the elusive leopard) but the rest were in abundance! The pink flamingos on Lake Nakuru were a sight to remember forever. Our knowledgeable and personable guides made the trip a huge success and as for the girls.... Wow! What an amazing group of girls! They embraced everything, had a wonderful sense of adventure and supported each other throughout without question - a joy to witness.

At Lake Victoria, we crossed over into Tanzania and got to know our new guides - Julius, Saluum and Elli who showcased their amazing country. We were wowed by The Ngorongoro Crater and The Serengeti and the abundance of wildlife we saw everywhere we went. Our experiences were enriched by the breathtaking scenery, views, weather and the number of animals we saw daily. Our evenings were spent enjoying delicious local food, enjoying a drink or two( or 3!!) and bonding deeper and deeper within our group.

The people we met along the way were inspirational and humbling in both countries and our final experience at The Children's Garden Home & School Orphanage in Nairobi was a highlight. They are so well cared for and loved by each other and the Moses and Silvia who run the Orphanage. We were entertained by singers, dancers and acrobats and some of the kids shared their stories of their education paths and their journey to where they are now - truly amazing.  (www.childrensgardenhome.org)

Kenya and Tanzania have enriched us all in so many ways and this tour was a genuine testament to the values of Sisterhood Women's Travel - 2025 on sale now - with an exciting Zanzibar Add on which from experience is a fantastic idea!

Thank you ladies for an amazing trip.

Denise Moore

Japan’s cherry blossoms were a major highlight of our wonderful tour in Japan. With a very short window, the blossoms are highly revered as there is only 5-7 days viewing time each spring, known as Hanami. We were made to wait as Tokyo had experienced a very cool start to spring and we could see small pink buds on the Sakura trees yet to blossom. All good things come to those who wait they say.

After 4 exhilarating days in Tokyo, we headed to the onsen region of Hakone, next to Mt. Fuji, which is usually topped by clouds but on this day, she fully revealed herself. This is rare and special and moved us deeply as we drove around in our private coach, viewing Mt. Fuji from many angles.  The natural hots springs provided us bathing opportunities in many forms. Most of the women were delighted to bathe on their balconies in the hot springs resort while others ventured into the communal baths for women. Once needed for those without their own bathrooms at home, onsen are an important ritual of Japanese culture with specific ways of entering the baths. Often assisted by Japanese women there, the sisters learnt and experienced welcoming kindness of the locals.

Visiting temples, castles, shrines, and ancient Japanese gardens, it was in Kanazawa where we first celebrated the cherry blossoms. Sakura were in bloom everywhere! It was a most wonderful sight, and the locals were out in the spring weather picnicking under the blossom trees. It was very festive, and we felt the joy of celebrating nature.

A special feature of our tour is exploring many cultural hands-on activities all designed to quieten the mind and develop one’s skills. We enjoyed our fun sushi class in Tokyo, the mindful practice of ikebana flower arranging and a washi paper making workshop in the mountains. In Kyoto, the home of traditional arts and craft, we did a furoshiki cloth dyeing class, had a kimono dress up day wandering through the bamboo groves in Arashiyama and learnt the Buddhist culture of tea ceremony, practicing the rituals handed down over many generations.

The sisters enjoyed each other’s company, all having come in the spirit of fun and friendship. Sharing stories from the day and all sorts of other travel experiences, we dined together indulging in the unique Japanese cuisine with sushi, tempura, okonomiyaki, udon and soba noodles and various kaiseki meals. Umeshu plum wine was a favorite Japanese drop and we tried shochu and warm sake. So many new experiences, this country is like no other place on earth, holding tightly onto its culture after being closed for so long to the rest of the world. 

Kaarie Stephens - Sisterhood Hostess

India is without a doubt a country of sensory overload in a vibrant way, from the moment we stepped off the plane and into the chaos of New Delhi’s streets, we knew we were all in for a ride of our lives. Between the extreme heat, the pollution, the sheer amount of people and seemingly organised chaos; India is seriously exhilarating.  From the beautiful Haveli’s and the tranquil Chambal Safari Lodge we have experienced generous hospitality from every single person that we have encountered along the way all with a beaming smile upon their beautiful faces.

India has a rich and diverse culture which expresses itself through history, celebrations, food, music, art and architecture. The curries are the reflection of India's culture and we tasted many along our way. Cows lazily wander the streets oblivious to the vehicles honking their horns to move them off the roads. The colors of India are reflected in the woman’s vibrant saris, temples and street markets adorned with marigolds and roses in vivid shades of orange and pinks.

From the crazy rickshaw ride through the streets of New Delhi to the look on the sisters' faces when they first witnessed the Taj Mahal, no two experiences were the same in India. 

We experienced delicious Indian cuisine, drank countless Masala Chai, wandered through narrow bazaars, shopped for handicrafts, celebrated the Holi festival in Jaipur by smearing coloured powder on strangers faces and greeted them with “Happy Holi”, we enjoyed a wildlife walk and experienced a river cruise in Chambal witnessing the endangered gharial (small crocodile) and incredible birdlife, we explored breathtaking city palaces and forts all over India and learnt about India’s rich history, we watched the sunrise over the Taj Mahal and heard about Emperor Shah Jahan love for his wife, Mumtaz Mughal, we visited a perfume distillery in Kannauj and made our own signature fragrances. 

Our foodie walking tour in Lucknow took us through the old town to the famous kebab restaurant, a biriyani eatery and a sweets shop. We discovered the heritage architecture in Lucknow, from the grand gateways of Bara Imambara to the ornate structure of Rumi Darwaza, inspired by a Constantinople gate. 

We thought our time in India couldn’t get any better but each day another new exceptional experience was waiting for us. 

We were fortunate to go into homes to observe weaving and silk embroidery demonstrations showing us the exquisite craftsmanship and traditional art form that has been favoured by royalty since ancient times.

Our morning boat ride on the sacred Ganges River was a magical adventure for us all as we watched the dawn sun-rays light up the temples and ghats along the riverbank. We witnessed a hive of activity and colour as the Hindus bathed to remit all of their sins, and pay homage to their ancestors and gods. The experience was mesmerising and will be etched into our minds forever. 

Namaste is an expression of appreciation and respect towards another person. The meaning of this word flowed onto this very special group of sisters. They shared their stories, they supported each other, they laughed and they had endless conversations over Masala Chai

Essence of Vietnam & Cambodia Tour

Our Vietnam adventure began in the capital city of Hanoi a city with a population of over 8 million people and 6.5 million scooters!  Our morning cyclo tour allowed us to explore the city and meander through the small streets and marketplaces to its wide tree-lined boulevards and old French quarter, a reminder of its past colonization. An afternoon visit to the famed Ho Chi Minh mausoleum where thousands visit every day to pay homage to the revered “Uncle Ho” before finishing off our day with a traditional water puppet show.

160 km east of Hanoi is iconic Halong Bay, a UNESCO world heritage site and home to thousands of limestone karsts that jut out from the ocean. We boarded the recently refurbished Indochina “Royal Lotus”  where we were accommodated in our comfortable “junior suite” cabins. The weather was overcast and hazy but this only added to the serene and magical atmosphere and didn't deter the “sisters” from taking advantage of the activities offered on board to the many day trips and excursions to the neighboring islands.

A short flight from Hanoi to Hue, where a wonderful day was spent in a village founded in the 17th century,  we explored the village by bike (or cyclo), went on a sampan and fished in the local river, and were warmly welcomed into the homes of the local villagers. It really was the “essence “ of Vietnam!

 Continuing our journey south to Hoi An via Ba Na Hills we visited “Sun City” an amazing architectural feat, at an altitude of 1,487 meters lies a replica of a French village, who would've thought!, along with its famed “ Golden Bridge” and beautiful manicured gardens is a must visit.

Hoi An, definitely” the jewel in the crown” of Vietnam and a UNESCO-listed destination with its many historic buildings and colorful lantern-filled streets,  was a delight to spend 4 nights. 

Hoi An is the place to have clothes, shoes, bags, glasses and anything else you may fancy, made and ready within 24 hours - heaven! Our days were filled with shopping at the local produce market followed by a cooking class, relaxing by the pool, visiting the local beach and taking advantage of the Hotels in-house Spa.

Arriving in Ho Chi Minh City with just enough time to check into our hotel before going on an evening vintage Vespa foodie tour.What an exhilarating experience as we rode through the streets stopping at different locations from cocktails to street food. Ho Chi Minh is a big and modern international city with tall high skyscrapers and designer brand shops, whilst comfortably sitting beside the old town, French-inspired buildings and local markets. From Ho Chi Minh our excursions included the town of Cu Chi and the infamous Cu Chi tunnels used to fight the French occupation and later during the Vietnam War. A full day to My Tho, a prosperous town on the Mekong Delta where we had the opportunity to enjoy a boat ride on the Mekong River and view the rich fertile land with sprawling coconut plantations and exotic fruits.

A short flight and we are in Siem Reap , Cambodia, another country, another language and hardly any bikes nor cars!! Siem Reap is calm and relaxed with its beautiful green countryside and where time seemed to have stood still. A short drive to Tonle Sap Lake, a UNESCO biosphere and one of the richest fishing areas in the world providing the livelihood of the people living on its shores and floating villages.  The following day and travelling by tuk tuks we explored the Angkor Archaeological Park visiting Angkor Thom , the iconic Angkor Wat and lastly Ta Prohm made famous by the movie “Tomb Raider”.

Our tour had come to an end. We explored Vietnam from North to South and into Cambodia. We sailed on Halong Bay, canoed, swam, fished in local rivers, ate amazing food, shopped, explored the Mekong River, sailed on sampans, rode bikes, cyclos, Vespas and many a tuk tuk, along with these treasured experiences is the laughter, time shared and life long friends made with 15 amazing sisters xo

Hostess Dawn Caputo

After enjoying our 15 Day Kenya, Masai Mara & Serengeti Adventure, why not continue your African experience by joining our 6 Day Zanzibar Add on?

Sunday 26 April 2026
Depart Nairobi and fly to Zanzibar
Transfer and Overnight at Blue Bay Beach Resort (Dinner included)

Monday 27 April 2026
This morning, after breakfast we'll enjoy a half-day Zanzibar Stone Town tour where our guide will introduce us to the buildings of interest and famous viewpoints. Stone Town and its buildings are full of history and stories of the old times in Zanzibar, when Sultans, Arabs, Europeans and Zanzibaris wrote the history of this beautiful island.  We will visit the  Anglican Cathedral and the Slave markets, the Palace of the Sultans, Tip Tip’s House, the Old Arabic Fort, Forodhani Park and of course, the famous Zanzibar Doors which line the petite streets.  We will show you Henna Art and bring you to the fruit and vegetable market.  Afterwards an afternoon at leisure.
Dinner & Overnight at Blue Bay Beach Resort

Tuesday 28 April 2026
Today, we'll visit Prison Island. Built in 1893, originally a prison then later a quarantine hospital, nowadays the island is home to the giant tortoise which has been banned from the city of Stone Town.  We'll enjoy a short boat ride with a view of the Stone Town Skyline to enjoy hearing about the history of the Island and see the tortoises. Returning to our accommodation with an afternoon at leisure.
Dinner & Overnight at Blue Bay Beach Resort

Wednesday 29 April 2026
A day at leisure. Enjoy the facilities of the Blue Bay Beach Resort.
Dinner & Overnight at Blue Bay Beach Resort

Thursday 30 April 2026
This morning after breakfast, we'll enjoy a half-day Jozani Forest and Butterfly Centre tour.  The beautiful Zanzibar Butterfly Centre near Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park contains all native species to  Zanzibar.  Butterfly farming in  Zanzibar requires intact forests, thus providing an economic incentive to conserve habitats. Zanzibar women have the rare opportunity to participate, as farming can be carried out at home fitted around childcare and domestic duties. Feed the butterflies and watch them fly close at hand while enjoying the peace of nature. Afterwards, just a short drive we head to Jozani  National Park.  During a guided journey through the forest, we will quickly learn about the different species of monkeys unique to Zanzibar (and yes, without a thumb). After our forest tour and a short hop to the other side of the national park, there is an opportunity to uncover the magical world of the  Zanzibari Mangroves. A walk along the wooden trail and we will see the thousands of crabs at work under the mangroves and if we’re lucky we might even be able to hear the mangroves talking!
Dinner & Overnight at Blue Bay Beach Resort

Friday 01 May 2026
Today we farewell Zanzibar with a transfer to the airport for our flight back to Australia.

Cost per person - Twin Share $3499
                             Single $4399

** Our Sisterhood Tour Hostess will accompany the majority of travellers.

***The Government of Zanzibar has introduced a MANDATORY inbound travel insurance which will cost USD $ 44 for all foreigners visiting/arriving  Zanzibar via  sea-ports and airports click the link Visit Zanzibar for more details***

A day of Ayurvedic spa treatments sets the scene for a layback warm n fuzzy adventure on the beautiful island country of Sri Lanka. A chill out in Negombo melts us blissfully into life on the road as we head north to Anuradhapura!  We stop along the way at an elephant orphanage and pop in to witness local hand weavers honing their craft.  We are loving Sri Lanka already!

Sri Lankan religion is 70 percent Buddhist, many make pilgrimages to the holy city of Anuradhapura to the Stupa and Sir Maya Bhodi Tree. We are accepted at the Stupa with a sense of belonging.  The calmness of their faith washes over us.  Next up it’s Dambulla.  What an amazing experience for SWT to be able to support the Pohoranwewa Primary School.  We visit one of the poorest areas of this beautiful country – the government provides uniforms for the children (prep to year 11) but that’s it.  Parents can’t afford to purchase stationery and the school grounds are bare. Thanks to SWT this school will soon have brand new play equipment.  Their gratitude when we visit is beyond words. 

Our surprises continue in Dambulla where we face our fears, and our fitness to climb 1200 vertical steps to the top of Sigiriya Rock.  This bunch of sisters are absolute legends. We pile into jeeps for a safari in Minnerlya National Park,  famous for its herds of wild elephants. Our stay is completed with a visit to a local village. We head for the hills, to Kandy and slightly cooler climate.  This quaint but lively city is a buss with buses, tuk tuks and local life.  It is famous for its golden roofed Temple of the Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha.  We shop, play sari dress ups and visit the Royal Botanical Gardens. Next stop Nuwara Eliya known as ‘Little England’ for tea tasting and in insight into life on a tea plantation.  Finally we board one of the most scenic railways in the world to Ella!    Aaaaahhhhh – just wonderful. We enjoy some downtime in the mountain village of Ella.  These sisters are up for anything that comes our way.  The fun continues in Galls as the sunsets on our wonderful adventure. 

Sisterhood will be returning to Sri Lanka in 2025.  If you enjoyed hearing about our adventures, come see for yourself!

Hostess Carolyn Allen x

Starting very early, we met for our Qantas flight to Norfolk Island; our discovery tour. A few of the women had travelled together with Sisterhood previously and it was lovely to have two sisters on tour. Otherwise, everyone else was meeting in person for the first time, all there in the spirit of fun and friendship. Flying far across the Pacific Ocean, we landed in a subtropical paradise with a unique culture, combining ancestors from the convict days, mutineers and local Polynesians. We heard many stories of adventure and survival as we walked through and around historic buildings and ruins. There were beautiful beaches at every turn and spectacular views from lookouts far out to sea. The iconic Norfolk Island pines set the scene as we drove around the island and walked through the cool of its forests. Eating fresh fish, local beef and seasonal fruit and veggies, we ate at the best restaurants, treated so well. Eight wonderful days with fabulous new friends to laugh and explore Norfolk Island with. What a wonderful holiday!

Free & Easy Fiji – Optional Sightseeing (Subject to Availability) Pay direct to the Resort.

CLOUD 9

Cloud 9 is a floating paradise that sits in the middle of the ocean surrounded by turquoise blue water, coral reef and the horizon and is Fiji’s only 2-level floating platform with an internationally stocked bar and Italian wood -fired pizzeria. Enjoy listening to music while relaxing on one of the sun decks furnished with hanging chairs and day beds. Cloud 9 is built with precision and creativity providing a unique experience. Tour cost FJD$249 (AUD$170) including return transfers from the Warwick. Resort pick up at 6.30am and return at 5.30pm.

COASTAL INLAND WATERFALL BIASEVU VILLAGE  
This visit to Biausevu waterfall is a 15-minute drive to the village whereby guests will be briefed during a welcome Kava ceremony by the locals. Following a 35-minute trek[footpath] passing several streams to the fall where guests can spend at least half an hour at the fall and light lunch will be served. Including return transfers, light lunch, village tour and waterfall hike please note that horse riding (No Insurance Cover) is available at extra cost. Resort Pick up at 10.30am and return at 1.30pm. Tour cost FJD$195 (AUD$135)

SIGATOKA RIVER CRUISE AND VILLAGE VISIT

After guests pick up from various resorts, the tours starts on board the MV AMLINE; a 45-minute cruise along the Sigatoka River towards the Sigatoka River Mouth where guests will sight the famous Sigatoka Sand Dunes and return to the Jetty (SIGATOKA CLUB JETTY) Followed with a 25 minutes scenic drive of the lush vegetation along the Sigatoka Salad Bowl of Fiji. Later guests will visit Nahigatoka Village for a welcome Kava Ceremony, Crafts Demonstration (Tapa Printing, Mat Weaving and Pottery Making) with singing and dancing with coconut husking, coconut scraping and tasting then 10 minutes’ walk to a village home for a ‘BBQ’ Lunch (Chicken BBQ, Lamb Sausage, seasonal fruits & fruit juice). Then farewell and back to the resort. Note: Should guests require any essential supplies from town for their stay, a visit to the supermarket can be arranged. Resort pick up 8.40am and return at 2.30pm. Tour cost FJD$189 (AUD$130).

KUTA WILD ADVENTURE PARK

A unique opportunity to meet and photograph Fiji’s wildlife up close and personal. Set in 12 acres of coastal rainforest, guests get the chance to interact with and take pictures of some of the rarest animals in the world. With over 1 kilometre of wooden walkways and bridges to wander, visitors experience Fiji's unique plants and animals in stunning surroundings. Walk-through enclosures display parrots, iguanas, fruit bats, raptors and more. The reef pool displays turtles. The coral displays house Fiji's largest collection of hard and soft corals. As Fiji's only official breeding centre for endangered Fiji wildlife, visitors help support the breeding programs and the free environmental education classes provided by the park for Fiji's school children. Tour cost FJD$50 (AUD$35) per person.

CAPTAIN COOK-TIVUA ISLAND DAY CRUISE:

Set sail for a full-day Island adventure abroad tall ship Ra Marama or the Sailing Catamaran Fiji One. Experience the real Fiji and sail to the Pristine Tivua Island . Once on the Island, enjoy the hospitality of the friendly crew, relax on perfect beaches, snorkel Tivua’s world-class reefs and indulge in a BBQ Lunch. Includes 3hrs sailing with morning & afternoon tea onboard, 4 hours island time with beer wine & soft drinks while on the island, guided snorkeling, volleyball, kayaks, SUP, medicine walk,  Fijian entertainment. Optional extras cost- is spa treatment with Senikai spa and 5star Padi diving. Tour departs daily 7am – 7pm. Tour cost FJD $253 (AUD$175) per person.

SUNSET DINNER CRUISE:

Experience traditional Fijian cultural in a magical island setting! Start your tour with a 30-minute calm water jungle cruise followed by a spirited welcome by our Robinson Crusoe Island crew. On the island, you can take witness demonstrations and the unearthing of the “lovo” earth oven. Along with a thrilling fire walking demonstration, your dinner will be taken out of the Lovo and served buffet style with garden salads, local root crop vegetables, chicken and fish. During dinner, you will be entertained with a Fijian culture dance show featuring Fiji’s best fire & knife dancers. Our friendly staff will provide you with a full of fun and engaging cultural experiences that are sure to be the highlight of your trip to Fiji! Includes: return coach transfers from Nadi, Denarau & Coral Coast Resorts (as far as Warwick Resort), 30-minute Jungle Cruise to the island, Island Lovo (earth oven) Buffet, Fire walking demonstration Fijian culture dance show, Kava ceremony demonstration. Resort pick up at 3.20pm returning at 11.00pm. Tour cost including return transfers FJD$249 (AUD$170) per person.

OCEANIC SCHOONER-WHALES TALE ISLAND CRUISE:

Whale’s Tale” presents 'A Taste of the Islands': Aboard the magnificent 100-foot schooner "Whales Tale", Fiji's ultimate 1-day spectacular champagne sail cruise to the Blue Lagoons and beaches of the Mamanuca Islands and featuring an escape to your own private & exclusive Uninhabited Island Paradise. Our all-inclusive voyage starts with a champagne continental breakfast and includes snorkelling, all alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, gourmet buffet lunch and entertainment. Departs 7 days a week from Port Denarau Includes: Includes return transfer from Warwick (7am returning 7pm), continental breakfast, lunch and drinks as follows. Continental Champagne Breakfast:

Champagne, freshly baked scones, danish pastries, toast, fresh island fruits, fruit juices, coffee, tea & milk. Full Luncheon (Prepared on board by chef) including fresh Island fish, chicken, roast beef, sausages, coleslaw & potato salad, tossed green salad, w/homemade dressings fresh fruits, fresh bread & butter. Beverage Service: Served Free of Charge during the entire Cruise: Coffee, tea & milk, fruit juices, bottled water, Fiji (Stubbies) beer, Fiji Gold & champagne with breakfast only, soft drinks (Coca – Cola, orange juice & lemonade), Wines (Chardonnay & Cabernet Sauvignon) Snorkel Gear: (Mask’s, snorkels and fins) will be provided FREE Of CHARGE. Activities on the Island: Kava ceremony, snorkelling, glass bottom, boat coral viewing, hand line fishing, kayaking & volleyball. Optional: Power snorkelling; Massage & hair braiding & Scuba Diving. Entertainment: Fijian musical entertainment provided by crew on the Island and during the cruise. Tour cost FJD$184 (AUD$125) including return transfers from the Warwick.

SIGATOKA RIVER HALF DAY SAFARI

Fiji's original, award-winning Off-Road Cave Safari offers a half-day Fijian adventure, for those who wish to take the ‘Road Less Travelled’—transporting you comfortably aboard our custom-built, All-Terrain vehicles into the Fiji interior. Your journey of discovery transports you back in time to the days of cannibalism, tribal warfare and you will see first-hand where many of these battles took place. Your adventure includes crossing the mighty Sigatoka River, Fiji's longest river with you entering the Naihehe Cave, a cannibal fortress and seeing for yourself how the 'kaicolo' (mountain people) used ingenious methods to survive. Your driver/ guide brings the adventure to life and introduces you to the rich culture of the Fijian people and shares their history, customs and legends of the area. Includes: Includes return mini-coach transfers from your resort, 1 bottled water for every passenger, Safari Jet boat ride, village tour, traditional welcome ceremony, Fijian tropical lunch, entertainment and dancing and return journey on the boat you will see your jet boat captain showing you some Sigatoka spins (360-degree spins) also you receive a 10% shopping discount valid at Tappoos. Tour cost FJD$329 (AUD$225) per person.

RIVER TUBING

Enjoy a fun boat ride up the scenic and pristine Navua River. Through meandering rapids, tropical rainforests and deep gorges. Fijian village visit to witness life in the Namosi Highlands. Refreshing swim at an amazing waterfall. Riverside lunch and Tubing downriver interspersed with gentle rapids. Resort Pick up 8.30am returning 4.30pm. Tour Cost – FJD$210 (AUD$145) per person.

OFF ROAD CAVE SAFARI

Off-Road Cave Safari offers a half day of adventure for those who wish to experience the ‘Road Less Travelled’ on the all-terrain vehicle into the heart of Fiji. Passengers will journey across the mighty Sigatoka River known to be the longest river in Fiji and then head up inland to see more of the beauty of Fiji’s interior and learn more about the cannibalism history of Fiji’s largest cave system, the Naihehe Cave. Naihehe Cave was home to the 'Sautabu' people during the days of tribal warfare. The trip includes return hotel transfers, complimentary sarongs for the ladies, bottle of water each, guided tour in our ORCS coach up the Sigatoka Valley, a guided drive up to the cave on our custom-built ATV vehicle on the road less travelled, Kava Ceremony, guided tour inside the cave with own tour guide, BBQ Lunch, Swimming(optional). Resort Pick up 7:30am returning 3:00pm­. Tour cost FJD$299 (AUD$205) per person.

YANUCA ISLAND DAYCRUISE

A trip to beautiful Yanuca Island is the ideal way to spend your day trip at a stunning secluded location off Pacific Harbour. You can enjoy snorkelling, hiking or just relaxing on a white sandy beach with crystal clear waters and incredible colours to leave you in awe, you need to experience it to believe it!.  Yanuca Island is located off Pacific Harbour and just to the west of Beqa Island and the Beqa Lagoon. It takes around 45 minutes to reach Yanuca Island from Pacific Harbour by boat.

Tour Inclusions: 

River Cruise from the boarding area out to the blue ocean, a little bit of fishing on the way if there’s a catch that'll be a bonus lunch for everybody. 

At the Island snorkelling off the beach is unlimited (gears provided) and hiking is optional for those who can track up the hill to enjoy the spectacular view of our famous reef lagoon, Viti Levu mainland and Beqa Island. 

Lunch Time: They will have BBQ Buffet for lunch, refreshments (soft drinks and water bottles) and fruits. 

Drinks are available for purchase so please bring cash.

Boarding Location: Sevua Circle, Pacific Harbour. 

Boarding Starts: 9AM   ETD: 9.30AM   ETA: 4.00PM

What to bring:

Change of clothes, towel, hat, sunscreen, and camera.

Tour cost FJ$240.00 (AUD$165) per person plus FJD$10 (AUD$7) cash for landing fee.

Additional Cost for Transfers ex Warwick Time TBA : FJD$35 (AUD$25) per person  [minimum of 6 pax]. Tour operates with a minimum number of 8 pax.

SOUTH SEA CRUISE - SOUTH SEA SAILING SABRE

Sail through Fiji’s Mamanuca Islands onboard Sabre, a custom-made 78-foot sailing catamaran for a unique full-day experience. Each day is a unique experience with the itinerary determined by wind and sea conditions stopping to swim, snorkel, and explore.

With large, shaded areas and a range of seating options, as well as drop-down steps and a slide, the journey is both comfortable and fun!

Included in the trip is a gourmet morning tea and buffet lunch as well as selected soft drinks and artesian mineral water. Complimentary local beer and selected white wines are also served from lunch time for 2 hours. The fully licensed bar is open all day for all other beverages (charged on consumption).  FJD$239 (AUD$165) per person. Pick up time TBA.
 

ZIP FIJI

Zip FIJI is only 1hr 45minutes from the Warwick Resort. This is an amazing adventure with 3km of ziplines woven into a truly spectacular setting with incredible caves, canyons and breathtaking ocean views. 16 jaw-dropping ziplines let you fly higher, faster and longer than ever in this world-class zipline. FJD$265 (AUD$181) per person.

TEIKAWAI

Journey off the road into the highlands of Viti Levu our main island. Our full-day cross-country sightseeing drive takes you into the majestic hinterlands of Fiji to experience an Oasis of serenity in the Fijian high country. Your driver/guide for the day has over 10 years of experience on this off-road tour, journeying through gravel, soil roads and single-lane Irish crossings. Apart from the off-the-beaten-track experience meandering past Fijian villages is an opportunity to spot 3 Endemic bird species only found on this cross-country experience. There will be photo opportunity stops along the way, but as they say, photos don’t do justice as you take in the natural beauty of this hidden gem tucked away in the Fijian Hinterland. BBQ, soft drinks included.  Pick up time 7.30am returning 5pm. Monday – Saturday. Price TBA. 

** Please tours operate on certain days.  Your tour hostess will help facilitate any of the above ** - Payment direct to Warwick Resort.

Walhalla proved a lovely surprise to our group of ladies, most of whom had not yet discovered this gem of a village famous for its gold-mining history, located in a narrow valley in East Gippsland. Whilst the significant gold-mining heritage of the region is perhaps the main drawcard, our group of sisters also enjoyed the overall quaint atmosphere of the town and the delicious meals we were treated to at the Wally Pub and at our overnight accommodation the Star Hotel.  On the way to Walhalla, we made a morning tea stop at another charming town, Yarragon, characterized by welcoming cafes and browse-worthy shops. 

Our Saturday afternoon activity was a guided tour through Walhalla's Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine. Quite incredible how far into the mine we could venture to see what life was like for the miners and to learn that this was actually one of the world's richest gold mines during the late 1800's. We were also shown part of the still existing Cohen's line of reef. Considering the town is now home to about 20 residents, it was amazing to learn that it once had a population of over 4800 people. 

After the tour, we walked back through the village, some roaming to the ice-cream shop and to take a further look at the village, others relaxed in the small courtyard of our hotel, taking the time to enjoy conversation together.

After our yummy two-course dinner, 4 brave members of our group joined the Ghost Tour which despite being 2 hours long was fascinating especially as our guide's ancestors had grown up in Walhalla. He regaled us with colourful, sad and tragic stories that provided us with insight into Walhalla's past. 

On Sunday, after a stroll through the unique historic cemetery, we enjoyed a ride on the narrow gauge Goldfield's Railway to Thomson Station and back. Indeed a scenic hour of open-air train travel... great fun. The route home was via Blue Rock Lake with lunch at an Irish Pub. Nice to return a different way to Melbourne.

We all agreed it was a terrific weekend both educational and social, made all the better by a wonderful, friendly and inclusive group of women. On such a lovely tour, it was great to welcome ladies for whom it was their first Sisterhood experience. 

Starting in Tokyo, we were greeted with sunny skies and warm autumn weather. We were deep in the heart of the megacity, easily perusing the shops, restaurants, temples, and gardens on our doorstep. Making friends quickly, we enjoyed eating one of the greatest cuisines in the world together. From sushi to ramen, tempura, okonomiyaki and Macha ice cream, our gastronomic adventure had begun. After a few days in Tokyo, we moved to the mountains for a quiet escape in the hot springs region of Hakone where we were blessed with a full view of Mt. Fuji. Very rare and special! We rested our bones in our private hot spring baths outside our traditional tatami rooms. We loved wearing yukata to our meals in ryokan inns. We embarked on many cultural activities on the main island of Honshu, taking lessons in sushi making, ikebana flower arrangement, washi paper making, tea ceremony, furoshiki wrapping lessons and stencil fabric painting class. We experienced transport in all its forms; a private coach, trains, a traditional yudanaka long boat, buses, a pirate ship, a tram in Hiroshima, a ferry to Miyajima and our favorite, shinkansen bullet trains for longer distances between capital cities, Kyoto, Hiroshima and Osaka. Every day was a new adventure! We were entertained by the snow monkeys relaxing in the hot spring baths in Yamanouchi and loved the friendly wild deer on Miyajima island. The autumn leaves were dazzling in varying shades of red, orange and yellow which truly took our breath away at times. Maple and gingko leaves were the showstoppers. A wonderful time to visit Japan, autumn was as beautiful as we had imagined.

There is no better place than Europe to get into the Christmas Spirit. It was a magical time for a group of Sisters to come together to enjoy this festive time of year.  Our adventure began in Prague with no better place to begin our Christmas market exploring. The beautifully lit up King Wenceslas Square with the nearby famous Astronomical Clock put on a spectacular show for us. Over the next couple of days we enjoyed a visit to impressive Prague Castle, we ventured out to visit Karlovy Vary a nearby Spa town enjoying lunch at the James Bond Pupp Hotel. Many of us enjoyed a performance of Swan Lake whilst in Prague whilst others enjoyed being enticed into some Christmas shopping. many shops and enjoyed a must-see ballet performance in one of the many theatres in Prague. Onto one of my favourite places in the whole world Czesky Krumlov where our beautiful accommodation saw us located in the local Square complete with their cute Christmas Markets. Spotting bears as we enjoyed a visit to the Castle hearnig the interesting history of times gone by and enjoying free time to explore this UNESCO world heritage town.  Heading to Vienna which, in my opinion showcases the best Christmas lights anywhere in the world, with some visiting the Belvedere Palace to pay homage to Gustav Klimt's "The Kiss", Vienna was a favourite for many. A visit to the Habsburg's Schonbrunn Palace with their huge Christmas markets saw many trinkets bought and mulled wine sipped with pleasure.  Onto Salzburg where we were lucky enough to see snow falling (for about 10 mins). Home to the Sound of Music, we enjoyed all there was to see in the Old Town including a beautiful Mozart Concert.  Again, many Christmas markets to explore including the 100 stands in Salzburg's Cathedral Square. Heading to Bavaria we were absolutely thrilled to enjoy an impromptu day trip to Hallstatt one of the most picturesque villages in all of Bavaria.  Christmas Day was spent exchanging Kris Kringle gifts with each other and a visit to nearby Oberammergau for a tour of the Passion Play theatre. No visit to Bavaria would be complete without Neuschwannstein Castle, the inspiration behind Disney's Castle.  The story of quirky King Ludwig was certainly entertaining if not a little sad. We headed into Munich to complete our Christmas Markets tour - thank you to the wonderful women who embraced sharing Christmas together.
 

We took a short flight across Bass Strait to the beautiful city of Hobart, where we were met by our tour-guide Carmel. We drove up to the historical town of Richmond where Australia’s oldest sandstone arched bridge was built in 1825 by convict labour. The sisters went on their merry way discovering the main street of Richmond visiting the quaint buildings, gift and old-fashioned lolly shop and the Old Hobart Town Model Village, where you find model buildings laid out as Hobart was in the 1820s. The sun was shining and the perfect day for a drive up the narrow windy road to the summit of Mt Wellington. The views were spectacular overlooking Hobart and surrounds, even though the sun was shining the wind was roaring and the air was crisp. We continued to our French-inspired accommodation called Villa Howden for an afternoon swim, dinner and overnight.

Saturday is the day that locals and tourists flock to the Salamanca market to buy local handicrafts, gifts and to sample Tasmanian produce. We had a couple of hours to stroll among the market stalls, chat to the locals and listen to the buskers. There was also time to visit the many galleries and shops in the converted warehouses along Salamanca. After the market we drove down to Kettering to catch the ferry across to Bruny Island; pristine beaches and gorgeous landscapes with plenty of places to eat along the way all offering fresh local produce. While on Bruny Island we were fortunate to see 3 white wallabies grazing as well as echidnas and plenty of birdlife.

Sunday started with a visit to the Hobart Farm Gate Market, this inner-city street turns into a bustling farmers' market offering plenty of fresh local produce. The girls stocked up with preserves, liquors, and baked goods. Our last stop was to Mona, the world-class Museum of Old and New Art, founded by Tasmanian millionaire David Walsh to showcase his private art collection of interesting, confronting, and wacky exhibits. The weekend was full of laughter, fun-filled chatter and new friendships formed.

Sunday 18 Feb 2024
Four Points by Sheraton
Melbourne Docklands
443 Docklands Drive, Docklands

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Our Natural Wonders of Iceland was a resounding success from beginning to end. London welcomed us for 2 days where we explored and discovered new and old sites and got to know each other and acclimatised to local time. Gundrun, our Guide,  welcomed us in Reykjavik and remained with us throughout our splendid and mind-blowing tour of this mystical Island. With a population of approx 440,000 and not one McDonald's in sight, it cast its spell instantly. We explored Reykjavik on foot and enjoyed a luxurious morning at The Blue Lagoon ( one of the 25 things to do before you die ! tick) and engaged in a little retail therapy! On our second evening enroute back to our hotel, the Green Lights appeared!!! The Northern Lights put on a spectacular show for us and we were beyond excited, thrilled and totally in awe of what we were watching. Another big tick for us!

Our tour took us all around the island - through National Parks, Glaciers, Pseudo Craters and " real" Craters, Lava Shows, Glacier Lagoons, Whale Watching,  Black Beaches, ancient Turf houses and churches and Waterfalls. Iceland must have the most magnificent waterfalls in the world where millions of litres of glacial waters thunder down with such force and majesty and each one is just magnificent. We embraced howling winds, driving rain and very cold temperatures to soak it all in and everybody just got on with it and we laughed, helped and encouraged each other always with smiles and good humour. Our driver, Hoette, was one out of the box, and his quiet charm and mystical nature added a wonderful element to our adventures. The Icelanders believe in "Hidden People" and Hoette told us we had many extras on our tour on a daily basis who we didn't see but he assured us they were looking after us! Many times when the rain was pouring down, just before we stopped, the sun would come out or the rain would stop - The Hidden People!

We enjoyed 4 geo thermal experiences in different parts of Iceland - each one a unique experience where the outside temperature could be as low as 4 degrees but we basked in the natural hot waters and pinched ourselves that this was actually happening! The topography is unbelieve with  kilometers of lava fields, glacial valleys, mountain ranges, bubbling geysers and hot mud, thermal springs and very few trees. Iceland's volcanoes, earthquakes and glaciers keep it geologically young and active and spectacularly. beautiful. Land is created and destroyed here faster than anywhere else in the world. Straddling divergent tectonic plates. Iceland stretches by about two centimetres per year. The sea erodes the shore at about the same rate. Mountains, islands, lakes and gorges come, go and transform. It's a land whose story always seems to be starting a new chapter and we loved every second of our time there.

Our tour finished in Copenhagen for 2 days where we welcomed the mild climate, went to visit Mary ( who stood us up!) and walked the length and breadth of this charming city.

I was honoured and humbled by this wonderful group of Sisters who took on every challenge, embraced the elements and took care of each other. Life-time friendships were formed and the ease and joy of their company was a delight. Put Iceland on your list, you won't be disappointed.

Thank You all for your friendship and support - Denise Moore, Hostess

Oh Wow! Nothing prepares you for the assault on the senses! The colours, flavours, sounds and smells are all there, all the time. Indian women are full of colour, Indian streets full of sounds and smells and Indian food - absolutely delicious. Our Magical Trip exceeded all expectations and the girls embraced every monument, mosque, temple, fort and long drive with such enthusiasm and positivity - it made my heart sing. Our travels took us to The Holy City of Varanasi where we observed people bathing in The Ganges and we witnessed the daily Hindu Ceremonies as well as the daily cremations. From there we travelled to Agra, where we marvelled in total awe at The Taj Mahal, only to be seen to be believed - it exudes love, perfection and tranquility. Onwards we travelled in our bus to Ranthanbhore National Park where two tigers were spotted in close proximity as well as other fabulous wildlife species and we luxuriated in our fabulous accommodation. From here , we arrived in Jaipur, The Pink City. and enjoyed a sumptuous High Tea ( Indian Style and had a ball Sari shopping in preparation for our Diwali Celebrations. We interacted with elephants and learned how they are well looked after in their retirement.

The family who hosted us for Diwali could not have been more welcoming and we all felt very much part of their bubbly and engaging family and we even did a bit of Bollywood! Jaipur was so interesting and so pretty and we threw ourselves into its ancient history and culture. Our travels took us to Jodhpur where we shopped like locals in the chaotic markets and dodged tuk tuks and motorbikes and TJ, our guide, bought us all Royal Samosas, allegedly the best in all of Rajasthan - we agreed wholeheartedly! From here we went to peaceful and beautiful Narlai where our accommodation was luxury with a capital L and here we saw 3 magnificent leopards - we were so excited. Our final stop was Udaipur where we really enjoyed the peaceful lakes of this beautiful city. We dodged Delhi Belly, shopped liked locals, ate with gusto and all fell totally head over heels in love with India. What a group of amazing, adventurous and supportive women - I can't thank you enough for being so open-minded, fun-loving and supportive of each other.

Namaste! 

Denise - Hostess

Morocco -  the name itself conjures up images of the exotic and intrigue and we had an amazing 3 weeks in front of us to explore! Starting in Casablanca,  we were surprised to see how modern the city was but at the same time blending in with the century old Hassan 11 Mosque and the Medina close by. This was also noticed in the people, young jean-clad teenagers hand in hand with their more traditionally dressed relatives. 

Our northbound journey headed towards the city of Chefchaouen with a stop in Tetouan for lunch at what was going to the 'norm' of the many beautiful restaurants and delicious food that lay ahead. Chefchaouen, also known as the "blue city", was magic! The old town with its many hues of blue, lanes and alleyways was a delight and a comfortable walking town to explore. En route to Fes we stopped at the partially excavated  Berber- Roman city of Volubilis Wow!! a UNESCO heritage site and a must-visit, lunch was at nearby Meknes at the home /restaurant  "Scorpion "where we enjoyed a delicious lunch with great city views.  Fes was our next stop and a 3 night stay at the stunning 'Jardin Des Biehn" now I know why the tour is called "Moroccan Magic'. the Riad was in a stunning setting with fantastic rooms and a top French-inspired restaurant. Fes is known as Morocco's cultural capital and famous for its Medina with 9454 cobbled alleyways and 300 mosques, a great place to explore!(another word for getting lost).

Merzouga, a small Moroccan town in the Sahara Desert was our overnight accommodation before we headed into the desert for our night stay at the  Chergui Luxury Camp. What a magical (there goes that word again) experience, the beauty of the desert and rolling sand dunes was breathtaking. The camel ride, sitting around the campfire and the early morning wakeup to see the sunrise are forever precious memories.

The next few nights were spent in the Dades Valley where we visited the Dades and Todra Gorges with their steep winding roads, valleys and gorges . Crossing the Atlas mountains we saw the effects of the recent earthquake that had hit the area, where  "tent cities" now replaced the once villages. The acceptance of the situation and the spirit of its people was humbling as they worked together to rebuild their homes.  Marrakech is quintessentially Morocco!  From  the beauty of Yves St Laurent's  Majorelle Gardens to the Jemma el Fna square where life explodes day and night with people, restaurants, music, shopping and entertainment. Whilst in Marrakech we had the opportunity to do a cooking and perfume-making class as well as experience the best hammam/spa of all time!

Essaouira, a port and resort town on the Atlantic Ocean was the perfect way to end our adventure as we enjoyed and did last-minute shopping in the Medina and walked along its beautiful beach promenade.  Back in Casablanca where we started and now finished. 

We saw so many wonderful sights and visited amazing places, made all the more special by the people and in particular our driver Tariq and our guide Larbi who shared Morocco and their families with us. Lifelong friendships, special experiences and moments have bonded the sisters of the 2023 Moroccan Magic Tour - in the words of Larbi "indeed!!'

Dawn

It was with much anticipation that 8 adventurous sisters embarked on the journey of a lifetime and headed down to the “white continent” With a couple of days to check out the most southern town in the world Ushuaia we then boarded our very comfortable expedition ship for our journey to the Antarctic Peninsula.  Crossing the notorious Drake Passage we were rocked and rolled as we were introduced to our expedition team and attended interesting and informative lectures as our ship was flanked by amazing and huge albatross and other seabirds.  In the morning we awoke to view our very first Icebergs.  The next 4 days were filled with amazing scenery and wildlife viewing as we donned our layers to head out in the zodiacs at -3 degrees for up close viewing and landings.  We were treated to the most stunning natural iceberg sculptures, huge penguin colonies, friendly seals, elusive whales, an amazing array of birdlife.  Highlights included Deception Island the caldera of an active volcano and old whaling station, Danco Island with its massive penguin colonies, leopard seals and beautiful scenery, Neko harbor where we stepped foot on Antarcitc soil proper and Freud Passage where we were treated to a complete whiteout of snow while our ship pushed its way through the massive brash ice. 

We rounded out our tour with a few days in Argentina's cosmopolitan capital Buenos Aires where we enjoyed a city tour learning about the city's interesting political history, visited the Ateneo Grand Splendid Book shop, once a palatial theatre, toured the intriguing Recoleta Cemetery and checked out the colorful streets of La Boca. 

Antarctica, what can I say?  A humbling and mind blowing experience that only approximately 1% of the population ever get to visit, and we are now part of that exclusive percentile. 

Norfolk Island .... a unique destination. Over 8 days, our sisterhood group of 16 women discovered an island of rugged, spectacular coastlines, tropical forests, fascinating Polynesian, convict and mutineer Bounty history all bound together in its current inhabitants, a country style town centre where cows have the right of way on its streets, where locals speak their own language and crime simply does not exist... what a place!

This tour, although packed full of experiences from the moment we arrived, was still refreshing, energizing and educational for all of us. As soon as we arrived we were guided on an adventure beginning with the Island Fish Fry where we were treated to local Polynesian dishes and delicious local fish all the while being entertained by local singer Trent Christian and the the Bounty Beauty dancers. The next morning we were given an orientation small bus tour of the island which opened our eyes to the wonderful experiences that were to follow. 

For those who like their exercise a BBQ Breakfast Bushwalk through the tropical national park and along a section of coastline passing Elephant Rock was definitely a highlight. The great thing about this tour was that there was something for everyone... from those just here to soak it all in gently to those who like a bit of pace. 

A tour of Colleen McCullough's house proved a real surprise as it was not what any of us expected but gave us an insight into her complex personality. Our Glass Bottom boat morning perhaps illustrates best of all what makes this place special. Donald Christian who runs the Glass Bottom boats adapted to our wish to spend part of the morning swimming and enjoying beautiful Emily Bay before our boat experience, picking us up an hour before our scheduled tour to give us this time. He then provided us with a home-made individually packed lunch of quiche and salad followed by banana passion fruit cake which his wife had baked for us. This was the general tone of many of our tours... although tourism is the main 'industry' on many occasions we were made to feel like guests rather than tourists. This was quite special. The Curious Castaways and Indulgence tour were further examples of this. Rachel from Curious Castaways told us stories of her ancestors and cooked up local banana based treats as well as teaching us the art of flax weaving. We all had a go! Rachel was not concerned about sticking to time... she oozed patience and simply wanted us to have a good experience.

Toward the end of our week, Pinetree Tours offered us and Indulgence Tour designed to fill in the gaps in our experiences and sightseeing by asking us where and what we'd like to experience. This was indeed a wonderful afternoon during which we visited a Lavender Farm, ate blueberry and lavender icecream (surprisingly good), visited the lookout on the highest point of the island and enjoyed wine and a cheese platter at beautiful Bumbora beach. 

To add further to all these treats, our lovely host at Castaway Resort, Erin couldn't do enough for us. One of our sister's Joy celebrated her birthday whilst there and Erin made sure our breakfast table was decorated with flowers, Mimosas were poured for everyone and a a fruit crumble was baked for Joy complete with candles. 

This was a delightful tour enhanced by 16 warm and friendly ladies who embraced each other in friendship, the absolute key to lifting a tour from good to brilliant. 

It’s a funny thing sitting down to write the hostess report – it seems so long ago since we all met at Tullamarine airport, yet not even 1 month has passed. 25 days on tour, 3 countries, planes, buses, ship & taxis. A group of strangers ready to share life experiences.

We flew into Venice and had our first experience of daily Venetian life on the water as we caught our water taxi along the canals in glorious sunshine. It wasn’t long before we were getting lost in Venice!

Our journey took us to Lake Como, Cernobbio & Brunate, a gorgeous village high above Lake Como. In Milan, we opted to visit the roof of the spectacular Duomo which gave us a really different view of the city. Our itinerary included the famous Cinque Terre, Luca, Pisa, San Gimignano, Vinci & Florence. So many “wow” moments but seeing David in real life had to be a highlight. I think we were all surprised by how big the statue actually is, and of course, the incredible workmanship of its creator.

Then it was time to board our ship, home for the next 11 nights. For many, this was the first time on a cruise so there was a lot of exploring to do. Our first port of call was Crete, followed by Santorini & Mykonos. The colours of the Greek flag are perfection and are reflected in so much of the landscape. We were blessed by fabulous blue skies and warm weather.

Ephesus (Turkey) provided one of the biggest surprises – many had never heard of it, yet it is an incredible ancient city, only 20% of which has been excavated. Onto more ruins in Athens, Pompeii and finally Rome.

We parted in Rome as some of the girls travelled on independently, and a couple flew off to join another Sisterhood tour. This is always something available to you and is especially convenient when staying in the same hemisphere.

I’d like to thank the girls for their indulgence as my 87yo mum came along for a small part of the journey, and Hayley kindly allowed me to stay on in Italy for a once in a lifetime trip with mum & my siblings. We are exploring Puglia and collecting some ideas for the proposed Jewels of Southern Italy tour, which will be stunning!

Our recent 12 day Tropical Mauritian Getaway was a very special holiday for the 11 Sisters who made the most of every minute, whether it be exploring, relaxing, swimming, pampering, partaking in the variety of good food and beverages and really enjoying each others' company.  A very happy time was had with so much laughter and genuine friendship celebrated.

Mauritius truly is a tropical paradise, surrounded by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. 

On our half day and full day tours there was so much to learn and discover, including the island's unique cultural heritage. All the Mauritians we met were warm with a spontaneous smile. It's fascinating the extraordinary mix of cultures, religions and ethnicities.

Wherever we ventured the turquoise waters and stunning rocky outcrops were never far from sight.

Oh My Oman, you delivered in terms of fabulous sightseeing and spectacular scenery.  From the beautiful beaches of Salalah in southern Oman to the magnificent mountainous region of Khasab in the north, our itinerary offered a fantastic range of sights including swimming in the beautiful waters of Al Fazayah beach in Dhofar province, the beautiful village of Taqah with it's gorgeous seaside coastline, a visit to the impressive Royal Opera House in Muscat, the vibrant Muttrah Souq and Amouage perfumery. The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat was impressive showcasing the world's largest one-piece hand-stitched Persian carpet.  A traditional dhow sunset cruise in Muscat with views of the Sultan's palace was also enjoyed.  We visited many forts (mostly Portuguese) along our journey including the beautifully restored Nakhal fort and the 17th-century fort in Nizwa (the best town we visited in my opinion - great vibe and reminiscent of a set from the Aladdin movie).  A visit to the local cattle markets in Nizwa showed us an insight into the daily life of an Omani farmer and this event proved to be a family affair with kids intermingled within the crowd all just as curious as we were.  Our overnight stay in the Wahiba Sands desert was made all the more enjoyable with sunset and sunrise views and our visit to the Grand Canyon of Oman, Jebel Akhdar with friendly goats encouraging us to admire the magnificent views was a funny affair!  One of the highlights for our group was visiting the house of our guide Toobi and enjoying a traditional Omani lunch.  This was so special and will be remembered always. Our 3-night stopover in Dubai had us staying in the district of Al Seeb and what a perfect place for a Sister to spend our last 3 days shopping the Al Seeb souk which was literally at our doorstep.  We enjoyed a heritage safari excursion, enjoying a visit to the Empty Quarter Desert, a fantastic traditional dinner in a Berber camp, and a stargazing experience which was amazing.  Our last night in Dubai was enjoyed celebrating in style with a dinner at the perfectly located Maison du Curry front and centre of the famous Dubai fountain with the Burj Khalifa in the background.  

 A dream realised for many of the Sisters was to arrive via Tuk Tuks at the city of Angkor Thom, Siem Reap, Cambodia - the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire.

It was truly awe-inspiring to visit the Bayon Temple, 

The Terrace of the Elephants the Terrace of the Leper King and the unique Ta Prohm which has been left largely as it was found: overgrown by jungle trees and vines with many parts crumbling to the ground. This makes the 'Tomb Raider Temple' one of the most memorable of the Angkor temples for some. For many the Mystical Angkor Wat built during the early 12th century took our breath away. Construction is said to have taken around 30 years.

Angkor Wat symbolizes the soul of the Khmer people.

Exploring Siem Reap and a cooking class at Lum Orng was much enjoyed. Also a drive to the largest inland lake, Tonle' Sap for a boat ride was an adventure and fascinating seeing the fishing families' stilt houses.

Next onto Vietnam with stays and exploration in Hanoi, Lao Cai, Sapa, Halong Bay, Hoi An, Hue, Ho Chi Minh and the Mekong Delta.

Endless treasures to be seen and much to be learnt through the valuable knowledge passed on by our local specialist guides in each location.

A few of the many highlights according to the Sisters on the tour: the cyclo tour of bustling Hanoi's Old Quarter, The Temple of Literature, walking through remote villages in the hills near Sapa meeting people from the various ethnic tribes. Then aboard the beautiful Indochine cruise boat for a night on Halong Bay, a UNESCO Heritage site.

A longer break was had in HoiAn which is such an attractive town with colourful lanterns filling the streets every night creating a moody and romantic atmosphere.

Another great cookery experience at the Red Bridge Cookery School.  Needless to say, everyone enjoyed the healthy Vietnamese cuisine throughout our travels.

Ho Chi Minh City had much to see and enjoy, including shopping. A trip on a boat on the Mekong River, then on more primitive canoes travelling through Mangroves, followed by walking on hidden pathways revealing private homes, orchards and family businesses was fascinating.

Our group was made to feel welcome by the gentle and kind Vietnamese people we met along the way during our travels, including our knowledgeable guides, this was a true highlight also.  

Tour Oct 1 - 18   2023

We’ve entered this land of the long white cloud

Of my country of birth I really am proud

Landscapes of beauty, Māori culture so rich

A hop, skip & jump across that rough Tasman ditch

From Auckland we venture to Bay of Islands up north

To this water-playground, the sisters go forth

A fishing ‘n boating haven,  view the Hole in the Rock

To the island of Russell, do we tourists flock

We continue our journey through farmlands so green

Glowworms at Waitomo, majestic caves to be seen

Hello Middle Earth, Hobbit Holes built to suit

Each Lord of Rings character, a tour oh so cute!

In Rotorua we sample the steaming hot spas,

And then spend an evening at Tamaki Māori Pa,

Such traditions we learn, enjoy a feast of their Kai,

The spine tingling music, brings a tear to our eyes

Art Deco city Napier, on the shores of Hawkes Bay,

After earthquake & Gabrielle, it’s come a long way,

A wine lovers heaven, and a foodies retreat,

This rural green region, where steep hills and plains meet

Kia Ora to Wellington, to the capital we came

Nicknamed ‘the windy city’ it lived up to its name

The museum of Te Papa, Beehive of renown

North Island goodbye, ferry to Queen Charlotte Sound.

Bustling port Picton, Te Wai Pounamu gateway

O’er the hills on to Nelson, for a two night short stay

Abel Tasman National Park, this group so hung ho

Braved a Totoranui cruise as those strong winds did blow

The West Coast did welcome with a clear sunny day

Waimea Gorge, Buller Valley, towards Westport way

Narrow one-way bridges over swollen rivers that gush

Tracey well-steered a course through the ranges so lush

A lunch in Cape Foulwind, how lucky were we?

To bask in the sun, not a cloud did we see

A night in Punakaiki, on rugged coastline raw

The gals stormed the beach, frolicking around on the shore

Franz Joseph Glacier, a sad tale of ice-loss,

Our lives of over-consumption must come at a cost

Through World Heritage wilderness up over the Haast

In awe of the scenery through which we have passed

Skirting stunning Lake Wanaka, Southern Alps towering high

As the backdrop to Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu beside

Coronet Peak, the Remarkables, Arrowtown, Milford Sound

Is one exciting playground, non-stop adventures abound

Mt Cook so majestic, under clear Southern Skies,

The Church of Good Shepherd beside Lake Tekapo lies

Around every bend breathtaking beauty astounds

Finally to Christchurch, my nostalgic childhood home town

And real thanks to Tracy, coach driver extraordinaire

Safely navigated two islands with a laugh and no fear

She joined as a sister hand in hand with mate Bruce

At least when he spoke he was telling the truth!

To the Sisterhood Pledge, you all did adhere

Of kindness and caring with bright smiles you did wear

Lesley, Kay, Jenn, Brigitte, Denise, Sonya, Judith, Deb

Kiwi Sisters I thank you, a great group we have had

Haere ra Aotearoa, or New Zealand farewell

As you return to Australia with many tales to tell

New friends you have found with warm memories to treasure

To have you travel with us is a Sisterhood pleasure

'Palya' - welcome in Anangu language wonderfully captures the vibe of our 5-day adventure here in the Red Centre. From the moment we stepped off the plane to be greeted by friendly faces and vibrant desert colours we knew this would be an experience to be remembered. Indeed nature's carnival ride of experiences then began, helped along by knowledgeable smiling guides!

'Palya' also reflects the warmth and open heartedness each tour member showed toward each other during this holiday, taking time to listen to each other's stories and supporting and encouraging new friends to venture out of their comfort zones and take on the various activities offered to them. 

The Sounds of Silence Dinner set the scene to perfection! To be wined and dined with Uluru to one side and Kata Tjuta to the other under a clear and starry sky.. the stuff of magic! The mornings were early but not to be missed and included breakfast watching the sunrise at Uluru, walks around the base of the rock exploring and learning the stories it holds within its caves and the markings on its rock face, as well as a full day trip to Kings Canyon. Here some took on the challenge of the rim walk whilst others were guided through the geology and fascinating plant life of the creek bed walk. Our indigenous guide Glenn really made this tour an absolute delight .. the ladies loved him, his friendly tone, the way he talked about his aboriginal community and his hugs all around! 

The midday heat each day allowed for some rest time with swimming in the lovely Outback Pioneer pool or venturing over to the Gallery in Yulara township. 

There was little rest for the wicked though with an afternoon trip out to Kata Tjuta where most braved the heat and walked to the lookout within the gorge and were rewarded with yet more varieties of purple and pale pink wildflowers. set against the iron red of the rocks. 

One evening we were taken to the Field of Lights, an amazing light installation set against the backdrop of Uluru. Our Star Pass meant we were greeted with canapes, wine and beer and then wandered through a magical field of coloured lights which gradually emerged as the sun set. 

Hard to believe so much could fit into 5 days, but there was more to come with an evening camel ride, a highlight for many of our group. Others amongst us found their wish to stretch their bravery boundaries and chose to do helicopter flights over Uluru, Kata Tjuta and also over Kings Canyon. 

We were indeed an adventurous lot, certainly not bound by age as some of the greatest challenges taken on this trip were undertaken by older members, seen especially in their willingness to enjoy the 12 km Uluru base walk which was an iconic experience! There was definitely something for everyone.. no doubt about it. What an absolute treat this tour was with the forming of new bonds and friendships being at the tip-top of our highlight tree! 

Shani 

It wasn’t long before a group of 10 strangers became fast friends on our Borneo and Gaya Island Paradise tour.  We packed our sense of adventure and headed to the wilderness of Borneo excited for our trip.  Upon arrival we were greeted with some lovely Malaysian heat and humidity, a nice change to the cold Aussie winter.  There were so many pinch me moments on this tour beginning with a visit to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre where we viewed the feeding of the young juvenile Orangutans before moving on to catch a glimpse of some adults with their babies, this was a big tick of our Borneo bucket list.  We rounded off our time in Sandakan with a visit to the Borneo Sunbear Conservation Centre where they do amazing work saving and rehabilitating the smallest bear in the world, finally checking out the cheeky and entertaining Proboscis Monkeys.  On to Kota Kinabalu where we enjoyed some relaxation time at our stunning resort Shangri La Rasa Ria and also explored the city as well as heading up to Kinabalu Park in the foothills of Mt Kinabalu where we discovered amazing rainforest and tropical gardens.  Lastly a few days at Gaya Island Resort- OMG luxury!  This idyllic resort has to be seen to be believed, luxurious villa accommodation, glorious day spa, white sand and crystal clear water, amazing snorkelling and marine life, top-notch dining and fabulous amenities and a day spa to die for.  It was great to see some of the sisters getting out of their comfort zones and encouraged by new friends to try things for the first time such as snorkelling and kayaking.

This tour was a perfect mix of adventure, relaxation and nature.  An unforgettable Journey for sure.

When a group of women come together, many as strangers, there is something about Bali that weaves women into a tapestry of storytelling, laughter and friendship and I'm always so excited to share my love of Bali with women who embrace new experiences.

The fantastic thing about our Free & Easy Bali is, it is just that - you can do as little or as much as you like in our supportive group environment.

For our first day, we set out on an orientation walk of Ubud, to get our bearings.  Our hotel is located in an ideal spot and enabled the girls to venture out to enjoy the neary spas, restaurants and the wide range of shops and markets all within easy walking distance.

During our stay, many in our group enjoyed the optional sightseeing with our guides Wayan, Wayan II, Made and Gede who were always happy to share their love of Bali with us.  Visits to water temples, traditional markets, swimming at Virgin Beach and a very special purification experience at Tirta Empul temple. The more adventurous went white water rafting whilst others enjoyed their more creative side with a batik and silver jewellery workshop. A visit to Prana Spa is always a highlight as were drinks watching the sunset over Seminyak and Jimbaran Bay.

With plenty of free time to buddy up or explore at leisure, our free & easy style enables you to discover the beauty of Bali in a group but on your own terms.  Many afternoons were spent relaxing by the beautiful pool, reading or chatting to others.  Frequent spa visits to nearby Lily's and Fresh were enjoyed and it was lovely to see so many happy, smiling women enjoying themselves with new friends.

Thank you to these beautiful women who fell in love with Bali and supported each other through their experience.

As always I look forward to returning to Paradise with my next group.

 

Recently I explored Malta and Sicily with a group of women from Sisterhood Women's Travel. Diverse backgrounds and shared experiences. We visited UNESCO sites, explored sea caves on small boats, swam in the Mediterranean, enjoyed local cuisine, and tried a cooking class.

Our adventure began in Malta, where we visited a range of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, soaking in the rich history and culture of this Mediterranean gem. From the bustling streets of St. Julian's to the charming town of Xaghra, our trip was off to a captivating start.

Our first stop in Malta led us to San Lawrenz, where we marvelled at the remarkable architecture and views from the cliff-top. A highlight of our trip was the historic Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. We also delved into the ancient history of Mdina and experienced the grandeur of Valletta, the capital city.

A short ferry ride took us to the picturesque island of Gozo, known for its scenic beauty and fascinating history. Afternoons spent at the rooftop pool watching the sunset or relaxing were heavenly.

After our amazing time in Malta, we hopped over to Catania, Sicily, where an enchanting world of beauty and history unveiled itself. Town tours became our daily delight, leading us through picturesque towns and cities like Siracusa, Ragusa, and Caltagirone, where we soaked in the lavish Baroque architecture and centuries-old traditions of the region.

Our adventure pressed on with captivating visits to Agrigento, home to the breathtaking Valley of the Temples, and Marsala, famous for its luscious wines and sprawling salt plains. Sicily's treasures just kept coming!"

In our last few days, we immersed ourselves in the enchanting charm of the Taormina area, a perfect blend of shopping, visits to iconic ‘Godfather’ film sites, tranquil gardens, and a sun-soaked day at the pristine beach near Isola Bella.

Closing the chapter on our trip to Malta and Sicily. It's time to head back, leaving behind the memories and experiences. These islands have been fascinating, and the journey has come to its end. Until the next adventure!

Some Southern  African Splendour happened recently when a bunch of wonderful women banded together to enjoy the treasures of this great continent. We waste no time getting down and dirty with the locals in Chobe National Park, Botswana.  We venture into the park early morning to witness a pride of lions strategically circling a herd of buffalo hoping for a kill.  Returning in the afternoon to see elephants cross the river after feeding on Sedudu Island all day.  They become angry and attempt to move the lions on!  We know we are sooo lucky to witness life in the jungle.

Next, it’s on to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.  Locally known as Mosi oa Tunya (the smoke that thunders).  We rise early to walk to the falls.  Mother Nature does not disappoint despite it being the dry season. The rainbow over the spray is our reward for rising early.  This afternoon we pay a visit to a Mpisi Village. We are welcomed with open arms as they share an insight into daily life.  It’s basic, it’s harsh but they are happy!  We round off the day with high tea at the very grand Vic Falls Hotel and an interactive drumming experience at a Boma Dinner.  This tour is delivering in spades.

Our tour moves to South Africa with game drives and pure indulgence at Kapama River Lodge and a private game reserve adjacent to Kruger National Park.  We set out in search of the big five but see so much more.  Our luxury lodge is a welcome retreat – a slice of heaven in the African bush.

Finally, we venture to Cape Town at the tip of magical Africa.  We venture to the tip of this incredible continent.  We climb high above the clouds to enjoy the top of Table Mountain.  We enjoy a tipple or two in the winery region.  A humbling experience sees us on Robben Island and Franschoek – where   Nelson  Mandela finally walked free.

As our African adventure comes to an end we leave enriched for our experiences together and appreciative of the freedoms we enjoy in our home country.  If you’ve enjoyed reading about our adventure,  join us next year when Sisterhood Womens Travel returns for more Southern African Splendour.  Watch out for details on our website.

Lord Howe Island with world heritage status was a wonderful place to holiday. We flew from Sydney on a small Qantas plane over the Pacific Ocean for a couple of hours and landed in paradise. We came in over the lagoon with its coral reef, close to the gigantic volcanic mountains. With sunny skies and a warm breeze, we were ready to make friends and have a great time.

For seven days we ate fresh food and were active, riding bikes, walking, swimming and snorkelling. We had a local guide, Peter, for three of the days who guided us on walks in the forest and around the island’s edge and drove us to points of interest. We learnt a lot about life on the island and the protection of the environment there. With tourism capped at only 400 visitors a day, we were some of the lucky few to holiday on Lord Howe. 

In our free time, we rode the bikes that came with our accommodation or walked to explore walking tracks around the island. The beaches were spectacular so were a favourite spot for some sisters. The reef there is alive and well with beautiful colour and turtles and fish are plentiful. One morning we had a private yoga class under the palm trees on our lawn while others played golf or relaxed with a book. Bird watching was easy with a fabulous array of bird life. We enjoyed each other’s company and also loved time alone. A healthy fun holiday, we left so relaxed and enriched, having made new friends and living the moment with nature in this island paradise.

Once again, a Rosa mini break has been blessed with perfect weather. The Alpine 4-day tour took our sisterhood travellers through some of Victoria’s most beautiful townships and magnificent countryside views, stretching across mountains, valleys, and rivers, accompanied by the beautiful singing voices from all the ladies onboard.

Saturday morning began with the vibrance of Violet town markets, highlighting over 200 stalls of locally produced food, wine, clothing, and some great live music. Two weeks later, and we are still commenting on the most amazing lunch at Brown Brothers in Milawa. The food, presentation, location, and atmosphere were stunning, and we will definitely be returning.

We checked into the historical town of Beechworth, where much of the town is protected by a heritage overlay. We stayed for one night and experienced stories about the gold rush days, beautiful hotels dating back to the 1800’s, and a great local tour hosted by a deeply knowledgeable young man who very much resembled Ned Kelly. The feedback from the ladies is that they enjoyed this town so much that they want to stop here for 2 nights next time. We are on to it!

Beautiful bright welcomed us with amazing hospitality hosted by Emma and Neil at the Riverview Motel. Our immaculate rooms overlooked the stunning Ovens River where we picnicked during our free Monday afternoon. There was plenty of local shopping, visits to local produce stores, clear blue skies, and so much food! Our journey ended with a visit to Benalla, another town with protective heritage overlays to preserve the history. Fast becoming recognised as Australia's leading street art destination, Benalla hosts an incredible variety of street art murals created by street artists at the top of their game from around the world.

An amazing 4-day break with amazing sisterhood company.

All the walking and physical training that the 8 sisters had been doing over the last few months was finally going to be put into practice. We met at Melbourne and Sydney airports and commenced our journey to the other side of the world to walk the Portuguese Camino. 

We commenced our adventure in the World Heritage town of Porto discovering this beautiful hillside city with its colourful buildings and lively atmosphere. On our first evening we enjoyed a dinner with traditional food and music. We were introduced to Portuguese Blues music known as “Fado”, these songs are full of sorrow, love and betrayal. The next day we did a full-day tour of the vineyard region of the Douro Valley, also a World Heritage listed region and famous for its port wine production. The sisters had a cruise from the village of Pinhao down the Douro River and today we also visited two vineyards before enjoying lunch at a restaurant tasting the local regional cuisine. 

The following day we depart Porto by train to Vigo and then transfer by road to the seaside town of Baiona, which is located on Vigo Bay in Spain. We enjoy exploring for the next two days the medieval town with its cobblestone streets and majestic coastline. 

The Portuguese Camino is 650km and commences in Lisbon, Portugal and travels all the way up to Santiago de Compostella, Spain. We are walking about 20 km a day and covering a 127-kilometre section of the pilgrim trail commencing in Baiona and concluding in Santiago do Compostella. 

Our trail takes us through hillside villages past aqueducts. We walk through chestnut, pine and eucalyptus forests, over medieval bridges, following local village paths and rural farms and family grown vineyards. We discover 13th century churches, watch locals taking flowers to the cemetery to pay their respects to their past ancestors. We walk along Roman paths and discover Roman influenced towns; we witness the oldest religious cross in Galicia. We taste the famous Padron peppers, cod fish patties, octopus, tuna, and sardines washed down with the local Alvarinho and Godello wines

On our last walking day, we only have 7 kilometres to walk into Plaza del Obradoiro (the main square) of Santiago de Compostella. Nothing quite prepares you when you first see the Spires of the Cathedral and the grandeur of the imposing St James Cathedral. It’s breathtaking and overwhelming, there is a steady flow of pilgrims arriving at the main square with mixed emotions. We are all speechless as we stand in Plaza del Obradoiro looking up at the Cathedral and taking in the atmosphere with everyone absorbed in their own thoughts. A massive achievement by all the ladies who chose to go on this walk. We made our way to the pilgrim’s office to get our Compostela certificates and then enjoy soaking up the atmosphere and a celebratory dinner. 

The following day we have time to explore the many sights and laneways of Santiago de Compostela and we go to the pilgrim’s mass held at Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Thousands of pilgrims from all over the world are lined up to get into the service. The priest welcomes the mass beginning with a list of each country that the pilgrims have come from who have arrived in Santiago and who have claimed their Compostela certificate in the last 24 hours.  As the mass continues the haunting sounds of the organ and incredible voices of the priests are mesmerizing to hear and the acoustics of the Cathedral is powerful. We all watch as the Botafumeiro; a 53kg silver thurible hanging from the main dome is filled with incense and coal and is moved into place by eight men (called Tiraboleiros), the fragrant smoke of the incense bellows out over the cathedral as the thurible swings from one side of the nave to the other. This was an incredibly powerful experience and we all felt privileged to have witnessed this at the Pilgrims mass. 

Our time has come to an end in Spain and so we travel back to Portugal with our last stop being Lisbon a vibrant city with a beautiful old town. We enjoy a city tour during the day and a foodie walking tour in the evening discovering the local cuisine, Prego a beef sandwich, the famous Portuguese tarts, Ginja a liquor made with cherries, and we visit Sol e Pesca, a Bar where we chose our favourite flavour of sardines in a can that is then served with bread and our choice of drink. There is still much to discover in Lisbon but with some leisure time the sisters enjoy their first chance to do a little shopping. Our last day is jam-packed with a full-day tour of the UNESCO World Heritage places of Sintra and Peña Palace. We continue to the most westerly point in continental Europe Cabo Roca and the coastal village of Cascais. Our day concludes with a cooking class at a private apartment in Lisbon, Ze our gracious host teaches us the secret ingredients in Portuguese cuisine, and we all get to enjoy some laughs and a delicious last dinner together. 

Starting at tour's end ...'We need more time' they cried..  Yes Tassie has so much to offer! 

A short flight to Hobart, then whisked away in our comfortable coach to another world, historic Richmond.  Anthony our coach driver had so many interesting stories to relay about this town. The oldest bridge in Australia, built in 1820 by convicts is still in use today and is a photographers' delight. We marvelled at the architecture throughout the town. There are more than 50 Georgian buildings, many meticulously restored.  After wandering about in Richmond and enjoying lunch and shopping we headed to Rosny Lookout for vast city views then an interesting city tour of Hobart.

After checking into our beautiful rooms in the stunning French Inspired Villa Howden there was time to explore the property, gaze at Northwest Bay, swim in the indoor pool and relax. Dinner enjoyed at the Villa together with much to discuss. 

Saturday morning Salamanca Market was great fun then onto the ferry for 20 minutes heading to Bruny Island to soak up the natural beauty for the afternoon. Not to forget the happy stops visiting local producers of honey, cheese and chocolate. All the while enjoying Anthony's knowledgeable commentary. A standout location was the Truganini Lookout at The Neck overlooking Isthmus Bay on one side and Adventure Bay the other.  A few sisters braved the climb and were richly rewarded.  After an afternoon of being on the island we returned to Villa Howden. A little rest, drinks and laughs by the enormous fire place and then to Blackman's Bay for a fabulous dinner.

Sunday came too fast. Anthony showed us around some more of Hobart and we enjoyed coffee and cake up at Mount Nelson Signal Station with amazing views over the city and out to sea. Sunshine followed us each day and the Sisters were such a friendly, kind and caring group. So many life stories shared and it seemed we'd been in each others' lives a lot longer than 3 days.

That's female friendship for you!

The sisterhood was in full swing as we hiked through old medieval ruins and into castles nestled up high in a position of strategic military safety and rich in the history of Kings and Queens.

Scotland is a mysterious land, a land filled with the medieval stories of fairies, witches, clans, and battles; all threaded and wound around each other to form the fabric of their culture.

Looking back on all the photos I am amazed at the sights we saw and just how stunning Scotland is. Scotland's landscapes and natural scenery really will take your breath away.

We toured the rolling hills and lush farmland of the Lowlands and we drove through deep glens surrounded by mountains in the Highlands. There is a deep underlying sense in Scotland like somehow, we are connected to the lands that we travel through. How lucky were we to travel there and witness her beauty.

The skirts, whiskey and highland coo’s were pretty amazing too!

A great trip.

What a ride it has been!  We flew, then rode with a ‘yeehaw’  into Calgary, picked up our cowboy hats, and joined the throngs stampeding to view bucking broncos, horseback races, Chuckwagon races and the Bell Grandstand Show. The Calgary Stampede is the biggest of its kind, attracting visitors from all over the World. It was quite a spectacle.  We were then met by our trusty driver Gary, who took us on a joy-ride through the spectacular Rocky Mountains, stopping in beautiful Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper. If that wasn’t enough we then hitched a ride on the Rocky Mountaineer to Vancouver, with one night in Kamloops. We weaved our way through this lush, unspoilt wilderness whilst being indulged in the local food and beverages. The Rocky Mountains spoils you with stunning scenery around every corner. We decided that this area is like the South Island of NZ, but on a much larger scale. For different perspectives we rode Tramways and Gondolas that soared through the mountains, cruised on Lake Maligne to Spirit Island, walked on Icefields, and braved the all too high Skywalk. We climbed hilltops to wonder at the size of the National Parks and also the power of the waterfalls and fast flowing blue/green rivers. We were always on the hunt for bears, elk, rabbits, squirrels, eagles, marmots,  so different to our Australian wildlife.  From Vancouver we cruised the Inside Passage to Alaska on the Celebrity Eclipse, stopping in Setka, Juneau and Ketchikan. On the different excursions we rode boats, husky sleds, a ‘Duck’, seaplane, & kayak. Some of us bear, seal, otter & whale-watched, lumberjack-ogled, bald eagle-searched, salmon-fished, and others were in awe on a cruise to the surreal Hubbard Glacier. For seven days the sisters were indulged on the ship, with the biggest decisions being which dish to choose off the menu, activity to join, or entertainment to attend. We returned to Vancouver, a vibrant, cosmopolitan city, situated on a beautiful inlet, and surrounded by mountains, forests and ocean. Greater Vancouver is an outdoor recreational playground, having easy access to Whistler, Grouse Mountain, Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, Vancouver Island & Butchart Gardens- all of which we were lucky enough to experience. This tour ticked all the boxes, show-casing all that this corner of the World has to offer. The Sisters took to it wth gusto and hopefully made very special friendships and long lasting memories.

Thank you CanCan Gals!

We had a big first day in Singapore. Some of us came for the gardens, and the National Orchid Garden was astonishingly beautiful! Some of us swore we would be back there again! We never wanted to leave these botanical gardens but it was day one and there was much more to see.  We toured the city with our fabulous local guide on a private bus. Multicultural from its beginnings, Singapore has ‘Little India’, ‘the Arab Quarters’, ‘Chinatown’, Joo Chiat district and Perkanan culture, that all make for diverse experiences as a visitor. Some of us ventured to the 57th floor of the iconic building, Marina Bay Sands, a famous engineering feat near the bay. We looked out to one of the busiest ports in the world as we sipped our cocktails. The port takes in over 2,000 ships each day! We’d toured Singapore by ‘bum boat’ on a lovely balmy night, grateful to be warm with no big blaring sun. Some of us stayed by the river near Clarke Key for dinner watching the Matildas play the semifinal; an amazing atmosphere with lots of expats and tourists cheering passionately. ‘Gardens by the Bay’ was a definite highlight with the huge glass greenhouse, the ‘Flower Dome’ a delight. We ‘d never seen anything quite like it with art installations featuring ‘Avatar’ and the ‘Cloud Forest’ with a spectacular indoor waterfall.  Some sisters went back at night to see the Giant trees light show with a groovy, local musical sound track. Raffles Hotel was another highlight, living up to our expectations in every way with a glorious Afternoon Tea followed by a drink upstairs in the Long Bar. Most of us chose the famous gin based ‘Singapore Sling’, sipping while we shelled and ate our peanuts, taking in the historic grand surrounds. Not far to walk to our hotel, we were staying in a fabulous central location. On our last free day, we could walk, take the subway or taxis to go to our favourite places with our new friends. Seven days flew by! It was a shame we had to say goodbye but many sisters will stay in touch and plan the next adventures together. 

What are sisters supposed to do when in France?  Unashamedly immerse themselves!

Paris, you need no introduction!  We revel in your history, we sample your food, we ride on your metro, visit your galleries and simply be!

We marvel at the artistic flamboyance which constantly surrounds us in this city of love.  Giverny and Versailles round off the bucket list and do not disappoint.

A day trip to the beautiful Loire Valley sees us amble through Chenonceau Castle, lunch in the sleepy town of Amboise before standing in awe at Chambord Castle.

Venturing via the high-speed TGV train to Provence we arrive at Chateau de Massillan, our place to call home for the next two nights.   We pinch ourselves before indulging in beautiful food and wine.  A picnic with pétanque caps off a wonderful stay.

Aix en Provence is a crowd favourite highlighted by a cooking class with Giles on his farm on the outskirts of town.  A lazy lunch follows, and we all fancy ourselves as Michelin Star chefs.

The French Riviera calls and we find ourselves on the ‘Med’.  We rub shoulders with the rich and famous and imagine ourselves sunning on one of their many billion-dollar yachts.  We settle for some perfume from Fragonard, a cocktail or two and a dip in the Med.

A pretty good alternative we think!

Back on the road we climb north through the charm of Lyon, Beaune, Troyes and Rheims. Honourable mention to Lyon for its Fishbone Alleyways- a secret labyrinth used by the Resistance to move around the city during the war.   To Beaune for its Hospices founded in the 15th century by the Chancelor of Burgundy as a hospital for the poor.

Finally, what a way to finish?  We delve deep in to the caves of the legendary GH Mumm.  I awe of how champagne, god’s nectar is produced, we taste!  Onwards to our last night’s accommodation – a beautiful Chateau outside Chantilly.  A fitting finish to a fabulous trip.  We leave a little piece of our hearts in this simply wondrous country – this journey has enriched us all.

An exert of a Senorita’s diary when travelling with Sisters to Spain and Portugal:

Hola!  We are in Barcelona – this beautiful cosmopolitan city is giving Paris a run for its money.

We take a city tour, marvel at how quirky but brilliant architecture of Antoni Gaudi underpins the soul of this city.

We take part in a paella class like no other. Wine in hand and the juke box cranked up full blast, how could it not be fabulous?

The day is rounded off with some delicious tapa in the company of a great bunch of new friends.

We traverse northern Spain enjoying the everchanging landscapes dotted with invitingly quaint villages, vineyards and or course the obligatory wine tasting.

Zaragoza dwarfs us with its history and monumental cathedrals.  We fall in love with San Sebastian, a cosmopolitan city on the Atlantic Ocean.

We venture high into the Picos de Europa where the mountain air is exhilarating and take a short trek to enjoy Mother Nature showing off!

Portugal, we love you!  Porto – thank you for your vibrance and for putting on a naval festival just for us.  Coimbra – home of the first university in Europe – you delight us with your history as we feel the current student life around us.

Joao Batalha – you are the master of the Pastel de Nata.  And then there’s Lisbon, a city with such a big heart.

We pop back into Spain – move over Dancing with the Stars, we are on the floor dancing up a flamenco storm!  Thank you, ladies, for throwing yourselves into this immersive activity in beautiful Sevilla.

The best is kept for last – the exquisite Alhambra in Granada, the opulence of the Royal Palace in Madrid and beautiful Toledo…. Ahhh!

Before we know it, our wonderful tour has come to an end.  We spend every possible minute together before heading to the airport,  knowing the bonds we have formed with each other are here to stay.

Thank you, sisters, for embracing our adventure with energy and enthusiasm every step of the way.

Adios por ahora!!!!!

Only a short walk from our hotel and turning the corner into the magnificent avenue of Champs Elysse, the Arc De Triomphe was a magnificent sight to behold.    Yes - we were in Paris and excited for the start of our European River Cruise adventure! 

We jumped onto the "Hop On/Hop Off" bus to tour this magnificent city of tree lined boulevards, grand palaces and the finest examples of French Gothic architecture.  

Our 4 night Paris stay included a private tour of the Fragonard Perfume shop, Garnier Opera House and lunch at the famous Angelina's café (thanks to Hayley for the reservation, we were able to skip the long queue).   Over the next 3 days, a Seine river cruise, a visit to the Eiffel Tower, an evening at the exciting Moulin Rouge Cabaret (optional) with plenty of free time to explore the sites of this amazing city – from Versailles, Louvre, Montmartre, and a visit to Roland Garros home of the French Open, awaited us. 

Paris is known as the "city of lights" so it was only appropriate that we finished our stay with a private night tour.  Starting at Montmartre with its panoramic views, we watched the city light up as we made our way through the iconic sights of Place De Vendome, Louvre, Sacre Coeur and arrived at the Eiffel Tower just in time to see it light up. 

After a comfortable coach drive the next morning and a stop in Antwerp, we arrived in Zaandam (30 mins out of Amsterdam) to embark on our luxury starship "Emerald Dawn '', our home for the next 15 days. Built in 2015, with 91 cabins with a capacity of 180 passengers / 51 crew it was truly luxurious…and after checking into our opulent cabins, unpacking and tucking our suitcases away for the next fortnight, we were ready for our cruise to commence!    

From Day 1, the Emerald Dawn had a comfortable and relaxed feel - from the personable cabin stewards, tour director, incredible restaurant staff right through to the captain (who was always ready for a chat), we knew we were going to be spoiled.  

At 6.45pm every evening, we would meet in the Horizon Lounge and Louis, our tour director, would take us through the next day’s activities and excursions.  Our amazing chefs would explain the specials for each evening’s dinner followed by the restaurant manager/sommelier providing a rundown of the wines that would be served.  Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner were exceptional, delicious and of the highest standards with special care given to dietary needs.  

Our first shore excursion was into Amsterdam and a guided tour through the Heritage listed canal system, before our first day of sailing through the Dutch countryside to the Rhine River.  

The sundeck was the place to be, whether it was to join in the early morning Pilates class, do a few laps of the deck or to just sit and enjoy the world going by.  

The next shore excursion was Cologne, one of the oldest cities in Germany and the largest on the Rhine.  After our guided tour of the city, we had free time to explore and shop (I bought a great pair of shoes!) before heading back to the comfort of our ship.  

 After dinner, social activities ranging from trivia, karaoke through to disco nights were thoroughly enjoyed, with the "Sisterhood" soon gaining a reputation to be reckoned with!   Movie nights and live entertainment were also enjoyed throughout the cruise.  

Travelling the Rhine Gorge, we leisurely sailed through fairytale-like castles and fortresses, with sloping vineyard hills rolling down to quaint townships on the river's edge.   

Most of the shore excursions were "Included” excursions " or "Emerald Active" excursions allowing you to choose and explore the towns at your own pace. A third option of "Discovermore" excursion (at an additional cost) was added if there was an opportunity to visit something of particular interest.  

Sailing on the Main River we had all fallen in love with the charm of the Bavarian countryside with our shore excursions taking us to the medieval towns of Miltenberge and Wertheim.  

As we sailed down the Main-Danube canal passing through Bamberg and Nuremberg, perfect weather made for sitting on the sundeck relaxing with a cocktail or taking advantage of the in-house health club for a well-earned massage.  

Our next stop was Passau with most of the sisters taking the "Discovermore" excursion to either visit Salzburg or Cesky Krumlov (Czech Rep).  I chose Cesky and to date, it is now one of my favourite towns.  

Sailing on the Danube and into the heart of Austrian wine growing country, our shore excursions included the UNESCO towns of Melk and Durnstein.  

Onto Vienna and a guided morning tour was followed by free time to explore the charm of this vibrant city, returning later that evening for a wonderful Viennese concert.  

Next stop was the Slovakian capital, Bratislava, with options to explore the city, hike to Bratislava castle, or do a Skoda tour of post- communist Bratislava.  I chose a home hosted coffee & cake with a local family, a wonderful glimpse of Slovakian home life.  

After an overnight sailing, we woke to be greeted by the magnificent city of Budapest with its imposing parliament building and sadly, the last port of our cruise.  

An evening's entertainment of a traditional Hungarian folklore dancing, followed by Louis explaining the following day's disembarkation details - and for the last time the chef, restaurant manager and sommelier we were taken through the last evening's farewell menu.    

Email addresses were swapped with fellow passengers, photos taken with the amazing restaurant staff and promises to catch up were made.  

Our cruise had ended, but not our travels - we still had Prague to visit!  

Prague, known as the Paris of the east, was the perfect ending to our travels…. with its wide boulevards, Prague Castle, Charles Bridge and its beautiful town square – after 3 days, our spectacular trip had come to an end. 

You know it’s been an amazing holiday when you close your eyes and can picture and feel the serene beauty of sailing on the Rhine.  

To all the wonderful sisters that I had the pleasure to share this experience with, many thanks for the company, laughter and friendship ..... till our next Sisterhood adventure!  xoxoxo Dawn - Hostess

After an overnight flight to Thailand, we arrived in Koh Samui and were welcomed in the beautiful Banana Fan Sea Resort by friendly and helpful staff. We chilled out and met for Happy Hour at Kevin’s Bar where we chatted and got to know each other. Cheweng Beach was the perfect place to ease in to Thai culture and weather where we enjoyed massages, mani and pedicures and of course some shopping!! We enjoyed a tour of The Island as well as a fabulous boat trip which included snorkelling and a delicious picnic on a deserted island. We enjoyed a delicious meal out on one of our evenings and by the time we got to Kamalaya, we had bonded beautifully.

Kamalaya exceeded all expectations from location, staff, treatments and tranquility. Everyone had a personal reason for being there and Kamalaya wrapped us all in her serenity and peace. We participated in yoga, Tai Chi, Qui Gong, Pilates and so many other classes as well as enjoying amazing treatments, therapies and self discovery. We shared our days each evening over deliciously nutritional and tasty meals and the bonding, friendship and camaraderie blossomed.

Kamalaya is a very special place - healing, kind and empowering. A truly special and wonderful experience. Thankyou to all my Kamalaya Sisters for an unforgettable journey.

Denise - Hostess

As the tour hostess I thought what better way to write a ‘round-up’ than to use the actual words of each sister.  

For the last 15 years this proverb has been my mantra- to embrace life, to travel, explore, challenge myself, be scared, lonely, have fun, sing out loud, dance, wander, grow, appreciate. This Sisterhood adventure on the magnificent Ghan - Darwin and Kakadu was full of wonderous moments.  It exceeded all of my expectations- I loved it! - Julie

So many wonderful experiences it is hard to choose. One example was the Alice Springs Desert Park where, in a picturesque desert setting, free flying birds of prey, such as wedge tail eagles and owls, demonstrate their hunting skills. - Pam

My favourite part of the trip was flying over Kakadu in a light plane at sunset. Wow what a sight - the landscape was awesome. The horizontal rock formations were breathtaking. The water meandering through the landscape and the green succulent wetlands were a sight to behold. The favourite photo I snapped was of an aeroplane flying under the glowing red sun as it was setting. - Bernie

After losing my darling man, I was given a gentle nudge by a friend , to join a SWT tour. I was nervous, anxious and excited.  The trip surpassed my expectations. My favourite experiences were the incredible sunsets and the colourful displays that the unique NT nature provided.  The unexpected pleasure were the friendships I made. Sisters, for 12 days you have changed my tears into laughter and I am indebted to you. - Julie H

My favourite part of the tour was the Ghan which had been on my bucket list forever. It didn't disappoint. Meals first class. Staff first class. Cabins tight but well thought out. Read a book, watch scenery go by, chat to a friend or fellow passenger - the time just flew. - Marian

My highlight was the Nitmiluk Gorge (Katherine) Helicopter flight. To fully appreciate the full scope of the gorge and all its unique formations, one should ‘take to the sky’. You will be charmed by this powerful land through tales and jaw dropping scenery that plays out before you. - Elizabeth

A fabulous trip. Enjoyed great company.  Highlights for me included:  The wonderful lunch at Maggie Beers restaurant.The rail trip on The Ghan was quite an experience. The early morning call to witness the magnificent sunrise will be unforgettable.  On the Yellow Water Sunset Cruise we were able to see the abundant wildlife in their natural habitat.  The optional Sunset flight over Kakadu National Park and Arnhem Land was a spectacular way to end our few days there. - Merilyn

It’s hard to choose a highlight as the tour covered multiple interests; Aboriginal Culture, Architecture in Adelaide, History, art, sculpture, sport, wildlife, bush walking, the natural beauty of Australia, food and wine.  Transport was very good and varied; by plane - big and small, coach, multiple boats, the mighty Ghan rail. Being a wildlife  rescuer and carer, I loved seeing the bird life and bats in their natural habitat. - Kay

I thoroughly enjoyed all the tour. My favourites being Nitmiluk Gorge, The Cedars (Hans Heysen residence) and the Kakadu sunset tour. I have learned so much about our history and indigenous culture. I now have a greater appreciation and understanding of our First Nations people. - Lauren
 

The Yellow Water Sunset Cruise on Day 8 of this fabulous trip was an absolute highlight for me. Birds everywhere, shrieking and whistling in the balmy air, gorgeous reflections in the still waters of the billabong, crocodiles settled patiently in shallows… just waiting. You could travel anywhere on the globe and not witness a better wildlife spectacular. And the sunset? Wonderful. Travel on the Ghan was also unforgettable. I’ll always remember seeing Simpson’s Gap in Alice Springs with a fair amount of awe. We happened to arrive there when the sun was going down. Red cliffs reflected in the water left by the last rains made for some great photo. There are many other highlights. Lunch at Maggie Beer’s (surely on everyone’s bucket list?) on a gorgeously sunny but chilly day, coupled with a drive through the beautiful Barossa Valley, was a standout. I could go on and on… but this trip is excellent. It covers a huge area in a relatively small amount of time. Adelaide, the Ghan, Darwin, Kakadu. In 12 days? It’s a beautys - Jan
 

Such wonderful feedback. These fun loving Ghan Gals embraced this amazing tour from the get-go. Thanks to each of you for making it such an enjoyable experience for all. Kathy Lang - Hostess

From the prehistoric Britons, Gaels, Celts, and Picts through Vikings, Romans, and Normans, wave after wave of conquerors and migrants have shaped the United Kingdom. The castles, palaces and private homes we saw were mind blowing in their historic significance, but we were there for another reason as well; the gardens!

We had tickets for the world class Chelsea Garden Show which did not disappoint. The UK has unbelievable examples of Roman Britain, Medieval, Tudor, Stuart, Georgian, Victorian and 20th Century gardens. We witnessed garden designs that have continued to evolve, influenced by the changing priorities and resources of their owners as well as the prevailing fashions, since the Roman Conquest in 43 AD. We were so lucky to wander through some of these displays over the weeks we were in the UK, in glorious sunshine.

We began our tour with four days in London with time to explore the city. Staying at a hotel with an unbelievable view of the Tower Bridge and with sites like the iconic ‘Big Ben’ clock tower, Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace. It would have been easy to stay here and explore the city but we had to move on. So much more to see

We headed south to Cornwell and put our feet in the English Channel. We visited seaside towns of television fame and prehistoric sites of world historic significance.

We drove through green rolling hills, quaint villages with cobbled streets and historic cottages with thatched roofs.  We travelled on two types of roads, big national roadways and tiny little hedge lined streets where the bus defied physics fitting through the smallest gaps. We saw the half-timbered streets of Chester and sat in the sun as the buskers serenaded us.

We visited castles, palaces, the historic homes of people like Anne Boleyn. Acres and acres of gardens, ancient monuments, churches, cathedrals and towns of literacy fame. We had coffee in the streets of Oxford and lunched in the medieval passageways of York. The weather was incredible and at times we felt like we were in a story book where the scenery was quintessentially English.

We kept driving through ranges of majestic hills, rolling farmlands of Beatrix Potter fame, wild heaths and moors, exquisite lakes of the lake district even sailed in the gentle, lovely valleys and streams and water ways of Llangollen. A Scottish dinner ignited a light in us all, with the sisterhood mantra beating its drum.

Back in London, heading home with a few bucket list items to tick off. We saw London from all angles, from the water on cruises and from the sky on the “Eye”, from the traffic congested roads and from the underground rail. We saw her at night and we saw her iconic buildings where history is at every corner. We visited her markets and shopped her shops and had fun on our last day playing ”Metro monopoly” (yes we made up the name ourselves) exploring the tube and the streets of London

Our tour to the UK was unbelievably good, the weather, the sights, and the company. The support and bonds developed over the 23 days within this group was wonderful to witness and for some of us it was life changing.

Thank you to my UK Sisters for embracing the beauty, history and the friendships. Silvana Danielis – Hostess

Not one of the travelling ‘sisters’ had been to the Cook Islands before, but going to a Polynesian island between Fiji and Tahiti was as exotic as we hoped. A beautiful sunset on arrival, we relished the balmy warmth, the palm trees and the expansive ocean at our feet. We woke to an early bus ride to the local market where we drank from coconuts and bought cotton fashion items suited to the tropics. The week flew by with a wonderful mix of cultural experiences and adventures, fabulous food, sunset cocktails, snorkeling and live music everywhere. A friendly, adventurous group of women, friendships developed early and we were looked after by the welcoming locals with infectious smiles and a joy for life. It was hard to say goodbye finally, as we boarded our New Zealand bound plane. Many of us plan to return to Rarotonga and do it all again!  

Tour Hostess - Kaarie Stephens

Our tour to Ireland was an absolute resounding success from beginning to end! The support, camaraderie and enthusiasm of my Irish Sisters was a delight and they embraced every single day, destination and person with pure joy. We started in Dublin where we explored this ancient Viking city in glorious sunshine and worked our way up North to Belfast via Newgrange, a megalithic passage tomb over 5200 years old! In Belfast we learned about " The Troubles" and delighted in the unity and optimism which prevails. We continued our journey via Derry where we walked on the ancient city walls and then started the magical drive along The Wild Atlantic Way which we explored on foot, by boat and by coach. The sun continued to shine and the vibe was positive ( as well as a few RAT tests!!) as we meandered our way from Donegal in the North to Kinsale in the South. Our accommodation at times was only fit for Queens, Princesses and Sisters and we revelled in the luxury and warm Irish Welcome which greeted us everywhere we went. The pubs provided hand-clapping, foot tapping music to the beat of the bodhran ( Irish drum) , fiddle, pipes and whistles! The skill and amazing athleticism of the Irish Dancers took our breaths away while the singers with their haunting and raucous ballads thrilled and entertained us. Ireland's sad and tumultuous history from the invasion of William of Orange through to the Great Famine in 1846 and more recently The Troubles was enlightening and the heroic names of Daniel O Connell and Michael Collins became familiar to us all.

We visited castles, farms, famine ships, prisons, cemeteries, distilleries, ancient monuments, pre historic settlements, churches and an of course some fantastic pubs and covered well over 1000 km's of The Wild Atlantic Way where the weather was kind and the scenery nothing short of mind-blowing.  The Sky Road in Connemara and The Ring of Kerry were outstanding while The Cliffs of Moher were wild and thrilling. 

Thankyou to my Irish Sisters for embracing my beloved Ireland with such love and openness - you were all wonderful travelling companions. Your hearts are still there and she shared her big heart with you all.  Until we meet again -  Denise Moore - Hostess

A fabulous free & easy Bali with a group of women, many who started as strangers becoming good friends.  Wow, the stories on this tour and how special women were able to share life stories with others in a supportive and encouraging environment makes for an even better travel experience and one that only women travelling together can provide.  The beauty of Sisterhood Womens Travel.

The format of free & easy suits our Bali itinerary perfectly.  With a great balance of sightseeing options and the opportunity to take time out for yourself and explore at your own pace and leisure.

Our sightseeing included a visit to Tirta Empul to take part in a spiritual purification in the holy springs followed by a prayer ceremony where we were welcome by the locals.  The day before, we'd enjoyed making our own offerings and learning the meaning of all the beautiful contents.  Other sightseeing included the mystical Batakaru Temple where there was definitely magic in the air along with the intoxicating wafts of incense and a visit to Virgin Beach for a chance to relax, enjoy a beachside massage (one of the best I've ever had all for AUD6.00) and swim in the beautiful clear waters of Candi Dasa.

At the end of each night, we'd regroup at a different restaurant to share the day's experiences.  From shopping, eating, pampering and sightseeing there was always much to chat about, with some of us stopping in at the Why Not bar adjacent to our fabulously located Samhita Gardens to share a drink and celebrate the day.

Our Prana Spa pampering in Seminyak was divine (as always) and many other spas were enjoyed during our stay in Ubud.

For the more energetic sisters, we enjoyed the Campuhan Ridge Walk with views of the Ayung River and the Subak Juwuk Manis rice paddy walk at sunrise.

I will never tire of the beauty of Ubud, it's people, it's traditions and it's fabulous energy.

 

The beauty and everchanging colours of Uluru has been adorning magazines, movies, and travel adverts for years all over the world but nothing prepares you for the sheer size of this huge monolith.  

Anangu the traditional people of the region have lived in around Uluru and Kata Tjuta for around 30,000 years. Uluru is a sacred site for the Anangu, and we all felt privileged to be visiting and learning about their culture. Our guides told us about the Tjukurpa stories which the elders pass onto the younger folk to help shape their characters and provide moral lessons to use in their everyday life.

Each time we visited Uluru we were in awe of the beauty, wild sparse landscape and the everchanging layers of colour from orange to red to purple. There are alot of tours offered in the red centre and we packed it in over our 4-day stay. The sisters enjoyed a Sunrise breakfast, the Sounds of Silence Dinner and the Field of Lights Tour all showcasing Uluru.

On the afternoon of our second day our guides Sylvia and Georgia met us at our hotel and transferred us out to Kata Tjuta, a towering collection of ancient orange-hued rock formations and a sacred site for the Anangu men. We enjoy a walk-up Walpa Gorge which is a natural creek bed that has carved its way between the two tallest domes of Kata Tjuta.

Our Kings Canyon tour began very early in the morning, as the return drive to Kings Canyon is 600km. We sit back and enjoy the comfort of the coach as we drive to the majestic and rugged Kings Canyon. On arrival our guides give us a couple of choices of activities. Most of the sisters choose to do the leisurely walk around the base of the canyon with a spectacular helicopter ride over Kings Canyon. Others choose to tackle the 3-hour Kings Canyon rim walk, a steep walk up to a lookout offering magnificent views down into Kings Canyon, the sandstone domes of the Lost City and the oasis of the Garden of Eden. We all meet back for a delicious lunch at the Kings Canyon Resort.

The next morning just before sunrise our van arrives and transfers us to the camel farm where we are introduced to our dromedary (one-humped) camels, they are all saddled up and patiently waiting for us. We are given instructions on how to mount these large animals and one by one the sisters swing their legs over the saddle and start to get acquainted with their travel buddies. The first thing I noticed was their beautiful eyes perfectly decorated by two rows of luscious eyelashes and their calm mannerism. As we ride off into the darkness l could hear laughter and squeals of delight among our group. Just as the sunrises we reach the crest of the hill where we witness Uluru in all its glory.

Every sister on this Uluru Outback trip were extraordinary women, they all supported and encouraged each other, they shared stories, they laughed and at night they danced like Priscilla Queens of the Desert.

Jenn Boyd – Tour Hostess

Istanbul greeted us with a bright sunny sky and a delicious Turkish breakfast feast to what was a wonderful start to our tour!

Whilst in Istanbul we visited the Blue mosque,  Hagia Sophia,Topkapi Palace and the Byzantine Hippodrome. A visit to the the bustling Spice Bazar filled the senses with exotic aromas, colours and far too many sweets to choose from!  A luxury cruise on the Bosphorus - a strait separating two continents - Europe and Asia , treated us to the mesmerising Istanbul skyline.

En-route to Canakkale we stopped at the Gallipoli Peninsula, with no crowds nor tour coaches around , we walked on  the beach at Anzac Cove, visited the allied cemeteries and paid our respects to the many lives that were lost.  A very special and precious visit for all the sisters.

The Acropolis of Pergamum and the nearby city of Troy, home of the famed Trojan Horse were next on the itinerary, where we now start to see the influence of the ancient Roman and Byzantine empire along with the strength of the Ottoman rule .

Ephesus, a UNESCO site and one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world, built in the 4th century BC is a MUST visit! 

Walking down the long paved road with remains of homes and shops on either side, history was brought to life with the imposing Library of Celcius beckoning in the distance!

The emotion that this site stirred was amazing!

 A  three - night stop at the Aegean coast- town of Bodrum gave us the opportunity to relax and enjoy a day cruise on our private gulet ( traditional wooden boat ) shop and dine at the many cafes and restaurants, with many taking the opportunity to visit the renown Bodrum Castle housing the Underwater Archaeology Museum.

Onto Pamukkale and the ancient city of Hierapolis , known for its hot springs and therapeutic healing powers (once the retreat of Anthony and Cleopatra.) The nearby white calcium terraces and thermal pools , known as Travertines, were a highlight and a magnificent natural wonder.

Our Hotel for the evening also gave us the opportunity to relax and bathe in its thermal hot water pools.

Travelling along the ancient silk road we headed inland to the Valley of Cappadocia, famous for its unique volcanic rock formations, its underground cities, churches, as well as being the origin of the "whirling Dervish '' ritual.  Everyone has heard of the hot air balloon rides in Cappadocia -  Surreal , magically, are words that come to mind as we floated in the sky with another 119 balloons, mesmerised by the beauty of the rugged moonscapes and "fairy chimneys " below.  It came to an end all too soon. A tick off the bucket list for 12 happy sisters! 

An hour-long flight brought us back to Istanbul for the last few days of our trip.

We visited the magnificent underground Basilica Cistern, took belly dancing and cooking classes, visited the Grand Bazar and had time for last minute shopping. Our trip was full of adventure and wondrous sights, not to mention the delicious food and the friendly warm hospitality of the Turkish people.

Turkiye, its sights and history was brought to life by our local guide , Goksu (aka "G") who besides his in depth knowledge was always on hand to help find a local ATM , medicine, wine or tonic for the late night G&T as well as directing us where to buy the best baklava !!

Along with the laughter, stories shared and impromptu singing, the support and inclusiveness of the sisters was great to see with many special memories and friendships made.

In the words of Delwyn "it (Turkiye)"fills my heart with joy"

After meeting at Spencer St, we boarded our little pink bus with luggage in tow. First stop was Werribee Mansion, a palatial home with magnificent gardens, and the added bonus was a visit from some Australian animals from Werribee Zoo. It wasn’t long til we got to Seaview House, our home for 2 nights. Historical and cosy, we had the whole place to ourselves! A beautiful dinner by the sea, everyone was making new friends; lots of connections made, with lots in common. The bay was beautifully flat and the sun was shining for our ferry trip on Saturday, to Sorrento and back. 

The focus of the weekend was the Blues Train that night. Dinner first, then we swapped carriages every 30 minutes with a different band/artist in each of the 4 carriages. Lots of fun, a bit of dancing and singing along with a couple of wines. Great to jump in Rosa, our bus, to get back to beds on this cold, windy night. Pt. Lonsdale lighthouse and then Ocean Grove for lunch on our way home, the weather Gods had smiled on us. Having come away not knowing anyone, we made new friends and had a fun, mini adventure together. 

Over 100 years ago, Winston Churchill visited Uganda and described it as a "fairytale" and the "Pearl of Africa" for its beauty, abundant wildlife and diversity. Obviously this was before roads existed!      

I cannot lie - the roads are shocking - but reflecting on our time spent there, it was still incredible. Most of us were taken aback by the landscape - mountain ranges, tea plantations, lakes, rivers, plains etc.And green!  The highlight of course was our priviledged visit to see the gorillas in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park - we were thrilled to locate 2 families of gorillas within a few kilometres of our starting point.  

The Batwa Pygmys were joyous in their welcome and showing us their traditional life. We continued on our safaris and saw more animals in their natural habitat. We got bogged which proved to be memorable moment as 12 women, a guide, a ranger & the driver all piled into one vehicle! 

Despite it being the 'wet' season, we were blessed as most days we avoided the rain. Except that one morning when the porter turned up at our door with gumboots to borrow to get to breakfast! 

Uganda has some pretty big & famous waterways (Lake Victoria & the Nile to name a couple) upon which we enjoyed a cruise. And our trip concluded with a memorable stay at Wild Waters,where we crossed to an island in the middle of the Nile. Spectacular!  

Once again, I thank the girls with whom I shared this adventure. Sisters who proved to be resilient and patient and fun! I am blessed to meet so many fabulous women! 

Simonetta Seri - Tour Hostess

One of the best parts of my role is witnessing the camaraderie that develops amongst women, mostly strangers at the start of a tour. The chatter & laughter from the start of this tour signalled that.

This tour ticked all the boxes - friendships, animals & birds in their natural habitat, the Masai Mara, Serengeti, even the weather was on our side. 

Each day we split into 3 different groups with a different driver/guide, each so knowledgeable & informative about almost everything.  We all saw the "big 5" (lion, rhino, leopard, elephant and buffalo), the "ugly 5" (hyena, warthog, vulture, marabou stork and wildebeest), & 4/5 of the "little 5" (ant lion, buffalo weaver, elephant shrew, leopard tortoise and rhinoceros beetle). 

Collective nouns delighted us - who actually decides these? - so here are some less familiar:

A tower of giraffe

A crash of rhino

A coalition of cheetahs

A sedge of cranes

A bloat of hippos

A cackle of hyenas

A venue of vultures 

A leap of leopards

An obstinacy of buffalo 

A memory of elephants

It has certainly been my privilege to escort this group & I thank you all for displaying many traits that make Sisterhood Womens Travel what it is. 

Simonetta Seri - Sisterhood Hostess

Rumour had it that the cherry blossoms were blooming earlier this year and we’d probably miss them! Well, this was far from the case. On landing at Narita airport, we saw Sakura in full bloom lining the airport fences. A very good omen! From then on, we saw the blossoms everywhere we went. Ueno Park was our first official viewing, along with the masses, finishing the day at the quiet and most beautiful Hamarikyu Garden of the Tokugawa shogun.

We spent 4 nights in Tokyo, living it up in a fine hotel, visiting a variety of restaurants and cafes, with dinner on a traditional Japanese houseboat as our Tokyo farewell. The weather gods smiled on us as we enjoyed balmy spring days. We travelled far and wide, on express trains, private coaches, public buses, taxis and shinkansen (bullet train), our favorite. Doing this, we experienced Japan at the grass roots level. Sleeping on futons in traditional inns, we had private hot spring baths attached to our rooms, at times overlooking vast terrains. Glimpsing Mt. Fuji, we made our way to the Japan Alps still topped with snow and spent time with the amazing snow monkeys in Yamanouchi. We visited galleries and museums, preserved villages and magnificent Japanese gardens. Cultural activities were a highlight, with lessons in ikebana, sushi, washi paper making and screen printing in Kyoto, the ancient capital. Dressing in kimonos was another moment we’ll never forget, with beautiful photos to keep. A night on Miyajima island known for its huge Shinto shrine was the perfect getaway before hitting Osaka and all the excitement of a capital city with a vibrant youth culture. What a wonderful adventure we had. 

Kaarie Stephens - Tour Hostess

There's so much to love about Morocco.  A country of diverse contrasts; from the city, to the desert to the mountains and the seaside and eveything in between.  This is what we experienced on our recent tour.  Starting in Casablanca, with a visit to the Hassan II Mosque providing us with a great insight into islamic religion.  We then travelled to the famous blue walled village of Chefchaouen to spend 2 days exploring the old town with our hotel in a superb location and within easy walking distance to the souks.  A visit to a carpet shop introduced many to the world of bargaining, with many Sisters coming out winners!  We left Chef and headed towards Fes for our 4 night stay at the beautiful Riad Le Jardin des Biehn; once again in a superb location close to the winding alleways of Old Town medina.  With a maze of narrow streets, 13th century buildings and busy markets, getting lost is the best way to discovere Fes.  From Fes we travelled through to the beautiful Sahara Desert where we enjoyed an overnight stay at Chergui Luxury Camp.  A sunset camel ride into the sand dunes was a highlight for many with a kaleidoscope of colurs transforming the barren to the beautiful.  We were blessed with a full moon and a sky full of stars with many choosing to forgo their luxury tents for a room under the night sky.  From the desert we travelled through the movie town of Ouarzazate to admiire nearby UNESCO Ait ben Haddou, staying at La Berbere Palace home to many movie stars when on location, including Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett. From here we began our climb through the High Atlas Mountains to our mountain retreat where we relaxed for 2 nights.  Beautiful weather seemed to follow us as we travelled onto Marrakech where we were hypnotised by the snake charmers and entertainers of Jemaa el Fnaa Square.  Our stunning accommodation Hotel les Jardins de la Koutoubia, again in a superb location was a welcome retreat from the hustle and bustle of the outside world that makes Marrakech a melting pot of cultures, traditions and hedonistic overtones. A visit to Yves St Laurent Majorelle Gardens and Museum was a lovley highlight. After our 4 night stay in Marrakech, we travelled the short distance to the seaside city of Essaouira, once a city Jimi Hendrix called home for 11 days.  With the remnants of a bohemian time gone by, this place was hands down a favourtie for many.  Travelling back to Casablance to fly home, this tour never disappoints and again I leave a little of my heart in this beautiful country.

The sisters met in Melbourne for our short flight to Hobart where we were greeted by our lovely coach driver Anthony. We made our way up into the Coal River region to Richmond, a colonial-era town with beautiful Georgian buildings, many that have been restored and are now open as cafes, restaurants, and galleries. We visited the the oldest bridge in Australia built by convicts in 1820 and still in use today. The sisters wandered around town and enjoyed lunch and shopping. We continued onto our beautiful French inspired accommodation called Villa Howden. The villa is nestled on the peaceful banks of Northwest Bay with stunning views, after a much needed swim by all we settled in for the night and to celebrate Kerri’s birthday with plenty of chatting and many laughs.     

The following day we explored the Saturday morning market at Salamanca Place, 300 stalls stretched along the front of beautiful 19th century sandstone warehouses. The stalls were a treasure trove of locally made produce, gourmet foods, quirky gifts all accompanied by buskers serenading us with their beautiful music. We continued to Kettering ferry terminal to enjoy our 20-minute ferry ride crossing D'Entrecasteaux Channel to Bruny Island.  As we all know Tasmania is known for its fresh produce, and Bruny island didn’t disappoint, so for us oyster loving fans we couldn’t miss a visit to GetShucked, where we wrapped our lips around the freshest oysters on Bruny Island. Anthony our driver was a wealth of knowledge as we made our way around Bruny Island. We continued to Neck Lookout and walked up 279 timber steps to the 360-degree viewpoint that overlooks the picturesque isthmus connecting North and South Bruny Island, by the time we got back to the van the dark clouds had opened. We continued to the beautiful Adventure Bay where you can embark on a cruise around the island or take a walk along the pristine beaches.  We enjoyed our lunch overlooking the bay before we continued to Bruny Island Honey company, they have been producing honey on the island for over 20 years and have 400 hives across the island. Did you know that the honeybee is the only insect that produces food eaten by humans!  So, we tasted the different types of honey, we tried the manuka arthritis pain relief cream on our knees, and we rubbed our hands with honey hand cream. We all walked back to the van smelling divine. If we hadn’t had enough to eat, we then called into the chocolate factory where the sisters loaded up on gifts before we arrived at the Bruny Island Cheese Co, our last stop on the island and it didn’t disappoint. Who can resist a charcuterie board,  a glass of wine and a flaming fire nearby. Our time in Bruny island had come to an end and we made our way back to Hobart for a relaxing dinner at Beach House Café overlooking Sandy Bay.    

The sisters all got on the bus today with open minds for their visit to MONA. The Mona building is carved into sandstone cliffs of the Berriedale peninsula featuring a three-level subterranean building on the banks of the Derwent River. David Walsh founder of MONA made his millions as a professional gambler and the museum is the only museum in the world that all the works must be approved by David rather than through an arts council. The experience was an eye opener and there is certainly a selection of works that are controversial, exactly what the David was wanting to achieve for his beloved MONA. With new friendships made our Tassie weekend comes to a close and we make our way back to Hobart Airport for our flight home. 

Jenn, Sisterhood Hostess

AND THAT’S A WRAP!!!

Our Norfolk Island girls have made it home after a wonderful week and some unexpected adventures added in! The island is beautiful with an intriguing history, friendly locals, and the food is delicious. Throw in great company and you’ve got essential ingredients for a wonderful holiday. Many girls begin their Sisterhood journey with NI, and this trip was no different. The week started off slowly getting familiar with some of the significant features of the island and a beautiful relaxing afternoon at Emily Bay, where the girls swam, chatted, walked and relaxed under the famous Norfolk Pines.

We soon got into the laid back swing of island life, leaving doors unlocked and bags in the bus which is another lovely aspect, morning walks, and shopping despite the pretty packed itinerary! And cows have right of way which led to the occasional comedic standoff between bus and bovine!          

Jenny celebrated her birthday with new friends and a clifftop dining experience which was enjoyed by all.

Norfolk’s isolation extends to all things including phone services (can’t use your phone, even with all the prefixes), power (all generators), limited and  S L O W  internet which many see as a good opportunity to detox. Definitely pros & cons to that!

Weather chats became inevitable as we began to hear about something called “cyclone watch”. The locals were nonchalant, and we mused about the media beatup of Norfolk Islanders “bunkering down” ahead of Cyclone Gabrielle. Until Friday, there was very little evidence of anyone being proactive or even heeding warnings. Most insisted it would be another fizzer but when our return flights were cancelled Friday afternoon, things became more serious. We made sure we had plenty of stored water (no power = no water pumps), candles and snacks (which may have included cheese, wine, chocolate & twisties). Whilst it was scary not knowing what was to come, everyone who remained positive & upbeat. From Friday night till Sunday afternoon, we read, played games, talked and supported each other until finally the wind and rain ceased.  We breathed a huge sigh of relief and prepared for our return home where the airlines did their best to break us, but the spirit of sisterhood has bonds much stronger! On that note, I would like to acknowledge all the girls on tour who remained positive and supported each other throughout, particularly on the arduous return home. All in all, it was a very memorable trip for all the right reasons too!

Simonetta Seri – Tour Hostess