9 countries - 7 airlines

[henleybeach]

I've decided I would do a trip report of my upcoming holiday with the better half .
Since I've joined this site I have learned valuable tricks and tips . So I thought I would share my holiday if it's not too boring.. we leave on the 3rd February, if there is any tips for the places anyone has been please share ! I love little tips from fellow travelers who have been to the same places .


The itinerary is -
Muscat, Oman 4 nights
London 1 night.
Iceland 4 nights
Morocco 7 nights
Abu Dhabi 1 night
Johannesburg 3 nights
Victo falls 3 nights
Kasane , Botswana 2 nights


For the flights I have a mixture of J and Y fares and some new airlines I'll be trying, I think I'm more excited about the flights !


~~~~~~~~~~FLIGHTS~~~~~~~
-Adl-Mel-Auh-Mct. 737, 380,320 J class virgin and Etihad
-Mct-Auh-Lhr. 320, 340-600 Y class Etihad
-Lhr-Kef. 319 Y class British airways
-Kef-Ams. 767 Y class Icelandair
-Ams-Cmn. 737 Y class Royal air maroc
-Cmn-Auh. 330-300 J class Etihad
-Auh-Jnb. 787 J class Etihad
-Jnb-Vfa-Jnb. 320 Y class South African
-Jnb-Sin. 350-900 J class Singapore airlines
-Sin-Per. 777-200 J class Singapore airlines.
Per-Adl. 737 Y class VA


In total it is 34,816 miles of flying , maybe a tad too much on that amount of time , but we will see.

 

[dmitri]

Thats a great itinerary, good luck

 

[love_the_life]

Looks great though you'll be very busy. Are you using points or revenue for the flights?

 

[henleybeach]

Looks great though you'll be very busy. Are you using points or revenue for the flights?

Adl-Muscat was velocity points , 94k. (Before the points and taxes went up )

muscat - Lhr was $380 one way paid cash (Y class)

Casablanca to Johannesburg one way in J was $3000 but when I changed it to a multi city the price was $1600. I got no idea why that made the price change . So that was cash .

Jnb- Perth was points and that was I think 104k points with min taxes book through velocity.
And the rest of the small Europe flights were cheap cash fares

 

[RB]

I've decided I would do a trip report of my upcoming holiday with the better half .
Since I've joined this site I have learned valuable tricks and tips . So I thought I would share my holiday if it's not too boring.. we leave on the 3rd February, if there is any tips for the places anyone has been please share ! I love little tips from fellow travelers who have been to the same places .


The itinerary is -
Muscat, Oman 4 nights
London 1 night.
Iceland 4 nights
Morocco 7 nights
Abu Dhabi 1 night
Johannesburg 3 nights
Victo falls 3 nights
Kasane , Botswana 2 nights


For the flights I have a mixture of J and Y fares and some new airlines I'll be trying, I think I'm more excited about the flights !


~~~~~~~~~~FLIGHTS~~~~~~~
-Adl-Mel-Auh-Mct. 737, 380,320 J class virgin and Etihad
-Mct-Auh-Lhr. 320, 340-600 Y class Etihad
-Lhr-Kef. 319 Y class British airways
-Kef-Ams. 767 Y class Icelandair
-Ams-Cmn. 737 Y class Royal air maroc
-Cmn-Auh. 330-300 J class Etihad
-Auh-Jnb. 787 J class Etihad
-Jnb-Vfa-Jnb. 320 Y class South African
-Jnb-Sin. 350-900 J class Singapore airlines
-Sin-Per. 777-200 J class Singapore airlines.
Per-Adl. 737 Y class VA


In total it is 34,816 miles of flying , maybe a tad too much on that amount of time , but we will see.
View attachment 88763

Looks like you will have a great time. I haven't been to many of those spots so I am looking forward to reading your adventures.

 

[LadyC]

That is an unusual itinerary. Looking forward to reading more.

 

[RooFlyer]

In respect of tips:

A few views of Muscat in a TR here.

I hope you are doing more than Casablanca in Morocco. Its a large city, very busy with horrible traffic and not so much tourist oriented, except along the waterfront. Immigration was always tedious on my 3 entries there. I never got to Fez, but would have loved to; Marrakesh was my base for several trips and definitely worth a visit, staying in one of the riads there - sensational. Here's a Morocco TR (starting in Casablanca and getting onto Marrakesh a bit later: A typical riad.

If you are going to Rabat, let me know. There is a sensational restaurant in the old town there with is a 'must do' if it is still the same as a few years ago.

Iceland - a great place to visit. Reykjavík good for walking around, Blue Lagoon very novel a day trip to Þingvellir (Thingvellir) not to be missed, in my opinion.

 

[kpc]

On another thread, I said I would not return to Morocco....we went to Casablanca, Fes and Marrakesh in 2009....see TR link in signature for my thoughts

 

[Major]

A very interesting itinerary. You will enjoy it

 

[purpleparrot]

If you're traveling internally in Morocco try the train, particularly between Marrakech and Rabat. Avoid the bus on that route unless you want a truly, truly Moroccan experience.

 

[JohnM]

A sunset cruise on the Zambezi at VFA is well worth doing IMO. Any number of operators and styles to choose from. Wander around the Vic Falls Hotel and take high tea if that's your thing. It's not mine as I detest scones and cream, but I was told by aficionados that it was very good. If the water level is high (which it should be in Feb-March) it would be worth what is now I believe a bit of a PITA process to cross to the Zambian side - but definitely don't bother if the water level is low. A sunset cruise in Chobe NP is obligatory at Kasane.

Some pics and info scattered through this: http://www.australianfrequentflyer....ing-madagascar-little-more-ambling-76741.html

I flew into Casablanca but rented a car and high-tailed it straight to Marrakech as the advice was that Casablanca didn't offer much. Then looped over the Atlas Mts via Ouarzazate and Zagora at the edge of the desert to Fez and Rabat before heading back to CMN. Very interesting scenery. Stop on the side of the road and fossil sellers materialise as if from nowhere. Driving was fun in Marrakech and Fez.

I drove the Ring Road in Iceland in early October before winter set in. Fascinating, but I imagine it's a bit difficult to do in winter.

Looking forward to the TR.

 

[henleybeach]

In respect of tips:

A few views of Muscat in a TR here.

I hope you are doing more than Casablanca in Morocco. Its a large city, very busy with horrible traffic and not so much tourist oriented, except along the waterfront. Immigration was always tedious on my 3 entries there. I never got to Fez, but would have loved to; Marrakesh was my base for several trips and definitely worth a visit, staying in one of the riads there - sensational. Here's a Morocco TR (starting in Casablanca and getting onto Marrakesh a bit later: A typical riad.

If you are going to Rabat, let me know. There is a sensational restaurant in the old town there with is a 'must do' if it is still the same as a few years ago.

Iceland - a great place to visit. Reykjavík good for walking around, Blue Lagoon very novel a day trip to Þingvellir (Thingvellir) not to be missed, in my opinion.

Great trip report of Morocco rooflyer , unfortunately we won't make it to Rabat .
Ive booked tickets for the blue lagoon in Iceland and we are staying one night in grindvik to hopefully see some northern lights.
Your oman air experience sounded terrible in that report !

 

[henleybeach]

A sunset cruise on the Zambezi at VFA is well worth doing IMO. Any number of operators and styles to choose from. Wander around the Vic Falls Hotel and take high tea if that's your thing. It's not mine as I detest scones and cream, but I was told by aficionados that it was very good. If the water level is high (which it should be in Feb-March) it would be worth what is now I believe a bit of a PITA process to cross to the Zambian side - but definitely don't bother if the water level is low. A sunset cruise in Chobe NP is obligatory at Kasane.

Some pics and info scattered through this: http://www.australianfrequentflyer....ing-madagascar-little-more-ambling-76741.html

I flew into Casablanca but rented a car and high-tailed it straight to Marrakech as the advice was that Casablanca didn't offer much. Then looped over the Atlas Mts via Ouarzazate and Zagora at the edge of the desert to Fez and Rabat before heading back to CMN. Very interesting scenery. Stop on the side of the road and fossil sellers materialise as if from nowhere. Driving was fun in Marrakech and Fez.

I drove the Ring Road in Iceland in early October before winter set in. Fascinating, but I imagine it's a bit difficult to do in winter.


Looking forward to the TR.[/QUOT

Cool thanks johnm , I just booked a sunset cruise on the zambezi for us , good tip! Just told my other half about high tea at VF hotel and she said that's a must now . I looked at the sunset cruise in chobe NP and was undecided but if it's a must we will do it !

We arrive in Casablanca and then train to Marrakech the next day and spend the night there . I book a 4 day from Marrakech to fez going through Atlas Mountains dades valley and staying a night in the desert . 300 euro each including private car with guide , accommodation in riads , petrol , breakfast and dinner . Then we will train it back to Casablanca from fez, I've heard the trains are good in Morocco .

I was too scared to drive in Iceland , so hopefully walk around Reykjavik and I got online and book a tour with geoicelad to do the golden circle tour

 

[henleybeach]

The day has arrived , don't you just love waking up with no sleep because your so excited about going on holidays!
We pack our bags and do some errands, ms Henley beach went and got her hair done and returned 4 hours later !!! So it was a rush getting ready and off to the airport . Said goodbye to our fur baby kranksy ( our mini daschund dog ) and was dropped off at the wonderful Adelaide airport !


--- First Flight ---
ADL-MEL Virgin Australia 737-800
Seats - 2a & 2c


Arrived at the priority check-in . Was a bit slow as there was only one person on but we were through and in the virgin lounge having a sparkling before we knew it ! We didn't eat in there as we knew we were going to be eating more food then a sumo wrestler on these flights .
We boarded a little late due to late arrival and we sat down and was promptly introduced and offered water or OJ. Boarding was quick and we were up up up in the air . The best feeling !
Dinner was offered with a choice of duck with sweet potato mash, and a braided red cabbage Or a chicken cauliflower pumpkin salad . I had the duck and it was 10/10. Tender and lots of flavor . Ms Henley beach had the salad and she said it was beautiful . We didn't eat the bread rolls or the citrus cake and cheese platter . ( I had to sit on my hands to stop myself) Two Vodka sodas and lemon and it was time for landing . Quick, friendly and efficient service , no complaints here . We arrived in Melbourne 5 mins ahead of schedule despite leaving 10 late .
Now it's time to head to the Etihad lounge and get ready for the big daddy , the a380 to Abu Dhabi .

 

[bwhouse]

BP Scanned!

Looks like an awesome trip.

 

[Boca68]

I'm onboard.

Looks like a great trip. From one extreme to the other. Packing must have been interesting or do you plan to buy clothes along the way? I often do that. Enjoy!

Poor Kranksy

(great name for a daschund btw)

 

[henleybeach]

I'm onboard.

Looks like a great trip. From one extreme to the other. Packing must have been interesting or do you plan to buy clothes along the way? I often do that. Enjoy!

Poor Kranksy

(great name for a daschund btw)

haha yer it was some extreme picking that's for sure . Sun & snow . Kranksy is off to nan and pops so he will forfeit about us in no time

 

[henleybeach]

-- I apologize in advance for grammar mistakes as these reports are done in the run on the iPhone --




We walk through to the international departures which was very quick we started to navigate through the rabbit warren (due to the construction work)
Up the escalator and and opposite the emirates lounge and we were in . We had a about a hour there to sample some more food and drinks . First impression of the lounge was that it's really nice , big floor to ceiling windows , big bar and a great relaxed vibe . I've been to the Sydney one twice before but this one wins .
We sat down and was promptly served but a friendly lady, and given the drinks and food menu.
2 champagnes and 2 mojitos ordered to start with , both excellent . For dinner I ordered the lobster bisque which was nice but not as good as the one I had two weeks prior at D'arenbergs. ( for those of you that know Adelaide and wine regions , mclaren vale D'arenberg winery restaurant does the best lobster bisque along with some great wines and views)
Other half had some ravioli which she enjoyed . We were nice and relaxed and ready to board the big girl . I just love Etihad livery on the 380. Looks classy.

 

[henleybeach]

-flight--
MEL - AUH Etihad airways a380
Seat 20e departure 2250hrs


We boarded the plane and walked down to the second half of the business class cabin. I recommend sitting in this section as it's quieter and feels more private . Let me just say Etihad a380 business class seat is truly industry leading, it was magnificent. I sat down and sat there smiling and giggling like a school girl after her first kiss .
These seats would be first class on some airlines , there is plenty of room , a huge thick tray table , touch pad for light and seat controls , huge tv screen , a big privacy divider , and decor is finished off with class. Nothing blingy just smooth and class .
Couple more champagnes before takeoff and the lady took are order for dinner .
I choose the sesame crusted tuna for entree . Beautiful , can't complain , nice flavors and it was light. I ordered the barramundi for main but to my surprise I got served the beef eye fillet. I went along with it and didn't say anything , I actually couldn't decide between the fish or beef so I did Rock Paper Scissors with me Henley beach so I could make a decision .
So it didn't bother that I got the steak , it was tender medium rare and served with greens and chat potatoes . I was happy with my non selection !
We couldn't find dessert in, we felt like fat bullfrogs , but we decided to head to the lobby lounge for a drink before bed . There was a lovely FA from Sydney who served us a sangria and we chatted for ages and then chatted with a couple from first.
It was 2am local time. So it was time for bed , it's the most amount of room I've had in a business class bed , and the put a mattress over the top for extra comfort, although it was still a tad hard . We slept for 6 hours and woke up and ordered a cappuccino and pastries , nothing beats a cappuccino when you wake up , always does the job . Half hour later a nice fresh fruit platter and I was back full again.
Smooth on time landing and now for the connecting flight to Muscat .

 

[love_the_life]

I'm glad that the duck on your first flight tasted good as it looked a bit ordinary to me