From cycling adventures in Asia, to wine tasting in France and an old holiday favourite given a new life, travel editor Winsor Dobbin has the latest tourism news.
On two wheels
A new collection of holiday adventures combines one of the fast-growing Asian destinations for Australians with the growing passion for active tourism.
World Expeditions has expanded its south-east Asia cycling portfolio with the launch of a new range of fully supported cycling adventures through Vietnam to meet demand for immersive active experiences.
The launch comes amid a sharp rise in interest in south-east Asia travel, with page views on World Expeditions’ website up by 49% for Vietnam, 88% for Thailand and 85% for Indonesia, reflecting growing demand for destinations that are closer to Australia.
The new Vietnam cycling range includes the 17-day Vietnam Cycle: Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi, the 13-day Ho Chi Minh City to Hue Cycle by e-Bike, the 10-day Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An Cycle, and the five-day Mai Chau to Pu Luong Cycle.
Each journey follows routes through Vietnam’s coastline, countryside, and mountain landscapes, using quieter backroads and minor roads where possible.
World Expeditions says the new departures represent a shift in the style of cycling product available in south-east Asia, with guaranteed departures, strong availability and flexible options designed to appeal to both experienced cyclists and travellers newer to active adventures.
E-bikes are available across all departures, broadening accessibility and helping riders manage longer distances and climbs.
“We’re seeing strong momentum in south-east Asia, particularly for active travel experiences that allow people to connect more deeply with local culture and landscapes,” said Sue Badyari, CEO of World Expeditions.
“Cycling is one of the most rewarding ways to experience Vietnam because travellers move through villages, coastlines and rural communities at a slower pace and with greater connection to the places they visit.
“These new itineraries combine high-quality support, excellent local expertise and reliable guaranteed departures, making them incredibly appealing for both travellers and agents.”
All trips are operated by experienced local cycling crews including guides, mechanics, and drivers, with luggage transfers, support vehicles, and accommodation throughout.
Group sizes are capped at a maximum of 16 guests.
World Expeditions has also highlighted growing interest in active water-based journeys through Vietnam and Cambodia via its On Water Expeditions brand, including the Mekong River Active Explorer from Saigon to Siem Reap, which combines cycling, kayaking and small-boat travel through the Mekong Delta and Cambodia.
The new itineraries are available to book now for 2026 departures via worldexpeditions.com.
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Vineyards beckon
Calling wine lovers keen on an immersive experience in France.
Tauck has opened bookings for its 2027 European land itineraries, including a new eight-day journey through France’s Champagne and Alsace regions, and a new exploration of Bordeaux and south-western France.
A Week In… Champagne & Alsace is a new eight-day itinerary averaging 24 guests beginning in the village of Kaysersberg, Alsace, with a three-night stay at Le Chambard Hotel & Spa. Guests explore the nearby wine villages of Ribeauvillé and Colmar, visit a Munster cheese dairy in the countryside and enjoy a private dinner at a chef’s home overlooking the Obernai Valley.
The journey continues to the Champagne capital of Reims for three nights at La Caserne Chanzy, a restored 18th-century military barracks. Highlights include a tour and tasting at a renowned Champagne house, an afternoon exploring the vineyards of Épernay by vintage car with a picnic lunch among the vines and an exclusive dinner at Moët & Chandon.
The itinerary concludes with a visit to the Château de Chantilly and a farewell dinner at Château Mont Royal. Departures will run in April, May, June, September, and October (from $12,190 per person, double occupancy, plus airfare).
Tauck has also reimagined its popular Bordeaux, the Dordogne & Biarritz tour. Refined from 14 days to a more focused 10-day journey, the itinerary is centred on south-western France’s most interesting regions.
Beginning with three nights at the very central InterContinental Bordeaux, highlights include a visit to the Cité du Vin wine museum and a château dinner in the Médoc.
Guests then spend three nights at Hôtel les Glycines in the Dordogne, with a stop in the medieval wine village of St-Émilion, a private visit to Lascaux with dinner, and an exploration of Sarlat’s excellent open-air market.
The journey concludes with three nights at the Hôtel du Palais in Biarritz, with excursions to Basque country and the historic fishing village of St-Jean-de-Luz and additional free time to explore the coast. From $14,390 per person, double occupancy, plus airfare).
See www.tauck.com.au.
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Whitsunday renaissance
After sitting neglected for 15 years, Lindeman Island in the Whitsundays is to reopen under a new resort brand operated by Marriott International.
Marriott has signed an agreement with Singaporean-based real estate company Well Smart Group to bring Le Méridien to Lindeman Island – marking Marriott International’s entry into the Whitsundays market.
The resort closed in 2012 after Cyclone Yasi and in 2023 was acquired by Well Smart, which is currently undertaking a $60 million renovation.
Expected to open in late 2027, Le Méridien Lindeman Island Resort & Spa will occupy a 70-hectare parcel of land with wide private beach frontage on Lindeman Island – one of 74 islands in Queensland’s Whitsunday Passage on the Great Barrier Reef.
Lindeman Island – once home to Australia’s first Club Med resort – is located only a 20-minute boat journey from Hamilton Island Airport.
The renovated resort is expected to feature 200 premium guest rooms and nine suites, two restaurants, lobby lounge and bar, function space, resort pool, fitness centre, Explore Spa by Le Méridien, tennis courts, kids club, and a recreational activities centre offering water sports, along with an archery range and indoor golf facilities.
Le Méridien Lindeman Island Resort & Spa will join Le Méridien Melbourne as the second Le Méridien-branded property in Australia and will be part of the brand’s global portfolio of more than 120 hotels and resorts.
The resort will be operated by La Vie Hotels & Resorts, marking Marriott’s first project with the independent hotel management company.
“Le Méridien Lindeman Island Resort & Spa is expected to be Marriott International’s first in Queensland’s iconic Whitsunday Islands,” said Richard Crawford, Marriott International’s vice president for hotel development, Australia, New Zealand and Pacific.
“The resort will join our existing high-performing Queensland assets, located in Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Port Douglas.
“Whilst the Whitsunday Islands has been a much-loved destination for Australian travellers since the 1980s, visitation from international markets has been inhibited by a limited offering of international branded resorts.
“We are excited about the potential for Marriott’s leading distribution platforms and Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program, which now has nearly 283 million members, to elevate the global profile and appeal of this remarkable destination.”
See www.lemeridien.com.
See more of Winsor’s travel tips and news at www.gourmetontheroad.com.