Best Travel Deals of the Week

A selection of the best local and international travel deals of the week:

SYDNEY

Metro Hotel on Pitt, in the heart of Sydney's CBD, is offering a very Merry Sydney Christmas package to visitors who find themselves in transit on Christmas Day.

The package costs $250 and includes one night's accommodation for two in a Superior Deluxe Queen room, Christmas lunch or dinner for two people at Paradiso Restaurant (2 course), breakfast for two and free internet.

The total saving is $116. Offer valid for December 24 and 25, 2012, and subject to availability.
Details: 1800 004 321 or www.metrohotels.com.au.

CAIRNS

The 4.5-star Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort is marking the start of summer with rates for locals from $139 per room per night.

It includes one night accommodation for two adults and two children, and a buffet breakfast.
An upgrade to a pool view room is also part of the rate, subject to availability, as well as late checkout at midday and a 10 per cent discount off all food and beverage purchased at the resort.
The offer is valid until March 31; terms and conditions apply.

Details: (07) 4080 1888 or www.novotelcairnsresort.com.au.

TASMANIA

Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge in Tasmania is offering a Gourmet Escape package this summer.
It includes accommodation in a Pencil Pine Cabin, breakfast daily for two people, a three-course dinner for two, and a wine and cheese tasting session on one night.

Prices start from $392 per couple per night and is valid until March 31, 2013. Subject to availability, and block-out dates and minimum night stays apply.

Details: www.peppers.com.au.

EUROPE

Princess Cruises is offering a discounted fare when travelling onboard Dawn Princess's 37-day cruise from Rome to Sydney.

The voyage takes in the Western Mediterranean and Asia, including visits to a range of UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Petra and Malta, as well as the option of an overland shore excursion to the Taj Mahal in India.

Departing Rome on September 4, 2013, prices start from $5999 per person twin share.
Details: 13 24 88 or visit www.princess.com.

THAILAND

Amari Palm Reef Koh Samui has a three night Christmas package starting at $680 (conditions apply).
The package is for between December 22-26, 2012, and includes accommodation in a deluxe room, daily breakfast, return airport transfers, a 20 per cent discount on treatments at the hotel's Breeze Spa, and a 15 per cent discount voucher off any of the resort's restaurants.

Details: www.amari.com/palmreef.