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The Age

Wednesday March 30, 2005

Mark Chipperfield

Let's Split

Tempo Holidays has just launched an eight-day tour of Croatia that includes visits to Dubrovnik, Plitvice Lakes, Krka National Park, Zagreb and Split. Often called "Europe's best-kept secret", Croatia offers a 5000-kilometre coastline, ancient seaports, beaches and mountains. The tour starts at $1194, with self-drive and rail passes for those who want to travel independently, and a seven-night cruise from Dubrovnik to Split. It runs from May to October this year. Phone 9646 0277, or see www.tempoholidays.com

Down South

Artists from as far afield as Newfoundland, Iceland, Reunion and Hawaii are converging on Tasmania for this year's Ten Days on the Island festival. Now in its sixth year, the festival (April 1-10) is the perfect excuse for a trip down south, with 200 events in 40 places in Tasmania. Highlights include the world premiere of The Garden of Paradise, with choreography by Graeme Murphy, and John Bell in Moby Dick. Visit the Tasmanian Travel Centre at 259 Collins Street, city, or phone 1300 655 145.

Smart Guide

Travel guides don't usually come with an in-built pen and compass. Until now. Apart from these two quirky attractions, and two pop-up maps, the robust and compact insideout guides are packed with advice on where to shop, eat and hang out in some of the world's favourite cities. London, Berlin, Florence, Dublin, New York, Paris, Venice and Washington are among the 17 titles available. You'll find the Insideout travel guides ($19.95) at good bookshops.

Paradise regained

Orpheus Island could be just the place to escape TVs, telephones and day-trippers. Located on the Great Barrier Reef, this private resort is known for its peace and tranquillity. The island is offering readers a special Orpheus Indulgence package. The $3349 package includes five nights accommodation and all meals, and the offer is valid until March 2006. Flights and seaplane transfers are not included. Phone Orpheus Island Resort on (07) 4777 7377 or email bookings@orpheus.com.au

Wine away

For a stimulating weekend in the country, try Chapel Hill Winery Gourmet Retreat. Located in McLaren Vale, the retreat is for anyone who wants to hone their culinary skills while indulging in the finer things of life. Guests stay in the vineyard's luxurious chalet-style lodge. Don your apron for a two-hour cooking class, or sign up for a gourmet weekend. Doubles from $260 a night; gourmet weekends $750 a person (twin share). Phone the Retreat on (08) 8323 9182 or email info@chapelhillwine.com.au

Brazil nut

South America is hot, but if you're looking for a city with a year-round buzz, go to Salvador, the former capital of Brazil. The city's music scene combines African and Brazilian traditions with reggae, pop and rock. The old town, with its cobbled streets and Portuguese architecture, is equally fascinating. You can visit Salvador and Rio as part of Un-limited Travel's six-night tour of Brazil. The package includes return flights from Sydney. Bookings close on April 30. Cost: $3500 (twin share hotel), plus taxes. Phone 1300 668 241.

© 2005 The Age

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