Trip Highlights
- 13-nights on New Zealand's South and North Islands
- 8-rounds including 5 among the World Top 100
- Cape Kidnappers, Te Arai Links & Kauri Cliffs
- Milford Sound fly-cruise-fly
- Central Otago wine tasting
- Maori cultural experience
Itinerary
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Mon, Mar 23Arrive Queenstown, New Zealand
On arrival at Queenstown Airport on the South Island of New Zealand, you will be met by PerryGolf staff and transferred to relax at your accommodation, Hotel St Moritz.
Queenstown is reassured for its magnificent scenery, adventure opportunities and luxury lifestyle. Long summer days blonde the tussocks, throwing the hills open to mountain bikers and hikers. The brilliant reds and golds of autumn colour the trees, inspiring photographers and golfers alike. In winter, snow transforms the region into a remarkable alpine playground for skiers and snowboarders. Spring brings the spark of fresh green to the landscape, a time to celebrate life with a cruise on the lake or an invigorating bungy jump. In any season, you can count on stylish accommodation, designer shopping and marvellous cuisine experiences. Queenstown's compact downtown area is a cosmopolitan hub that's relaxed during the day and huge fun at night.
Welcome cocktails and dinner are included this evening, giving you an opportunity to meet your fellow travelers.
Hotel St Moritz – Alpine Suite Lakeview with Balcony
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Tues, Mar 24Queenstown Millbrook
Today play Millbrook. This spectacular par 72 championship golf course, designed by New Zealand's renowned master golfer, Sir Bob Charles, is enjoyed by enthusiasts from around the world. Challenging for both higher and lower handicap golfers, the Millbrook Resort course is one of the most impressive international golf arenas in the world. Featuring impeccably groomed fairways and greens, demanding hazards, and meandering water courses, surrounded by the alpine backdrop of the Remarkables Mountain Range, golf at Millbrook Resort is an exhilarating experience.
Enjoy today at your own leisure. There is so much to do and see in Queenstown for both the adventurous and not so adventurous! Morning at leisure to stroll around town and visit the nearby Queenstown Gardens. Consider boarding the vintage steamship, the TSS Earnslaw, and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm. Enjoy a quintessential Kiwi experience – a delicious gourmet BBQ lunch and a farm demo in a stunning lakeside setting.
Hotel St Moritz – Alpine Suite Lakeview with Balcony
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Wed, Mar 25Arrowtown Jack’s Point
Today play Jack’s Point. The course is bounded by the Remarkables mountain range and Lake Wakatipu. It traverses through wetland to the lake edge encountering steep bluffs, indigenous vegetation and wildlife. It is designed to work with nature, not against it. Fairways are designed with minimal excavation and careful plantings to complement the natural environment, but also to give the golfer a fighting chance. Jack's Point is sited on the elbow of Lake Wakatipu and at the foot of the Remarkables mountain range. It’s the largest parcel of land to be comprehensively developed by one entity in the history of New Zealand.
Visit the quirky nearby village of Arrowtown before taking in a couple of boutique vineyards in the Gibbston and Bannockburn/Cromwell region. Considered one of the world's premier cool-climate wine regions, Central Otago boasts high-quality varietals including chardonnay, pinot gris, pinot noir and Riesling.
Hotel St Moritz – Alpine Suite Lakeview with Balcony
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Thurs, Mar 26Milford Sound
Today you will enjoy a Fly/Cruise/Fly Milford Sound experience. There's a reason Milford Sound is called the 8th wonder of the world…and today you will discover why on this return scenic flight between Queenstown and Milford Sound and a scenic boat cruise along the fiord towards the Tasman Sea. Your 35-minute flight will take in many panoramic views of spectacular alpine scenery including glaciers, rivers, lakes and rainforest before landing at Milford Sound. A short transfer will then see you board a leisurely cruise on the fiord to the Tasman Sea. View the spectacular alpine scenery including waterfalls, rainforest and the towering peaks; and keep a lookout for wildlife including seals, dolphins and penguins when in season.
Hotel St Moritz – Alpine Suite Lakeview with Balcony
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Fri, Mar 27Napier
Today you will check out of your hotel and return to the airport for your onward flights to Napier.
A coastal city on New Zealand's North Island, Napier is set amid the renowned wine-producing region of Hawke's Bay. Rebuilt after a 1931 earthquake, the city is known for art deco landmarks like the zigzag-patterned Daily Telegraph Building. Along the tree-lined waterfront promenade the Marine Parade, the Pania of the Reef statue depicting a Maori maiden, is a symbol of the city.
Napier's city centre has the feeling of a time capsule - the seamless line of 1930s architecture is quite extraordinary. One of the ways to enjoy the streetscape is on a self-guided walk - ask for a map at the information centre or at the Art Deco Trust.
Art Deco Tour. Napier is known as the Art Deco City. Walking tours, most conducted by the Art Deco Trust, operate daily and leave from the Marine Parade and proceed through Napier's Art Deco Quarter and a stylish retail shop. Delight in the decorative and colourful buildings - Napier is famous for its Jazz age architecture.
Later today, check in to your next accommodation, Porters Boutique Hotel.
Porters Boutique Hotel – Premier King Room
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Sat, Mar 28Hawke's Bay Cape Kidnappers
Today play Cape Kidnappers, a Tom Doak designed golf course which is consistently ranked amongst the world's most spectacular courses. The clever use of the layout is best seen from the air where Doak has used the natural landscape to craft some magnificent, memorable, and challenging golf holes. However, the Cape Kidnappers experience starts from the moment you drive in the entrance gate. What follows is a 10-kilometer drive (yes that is correct) leading you up to the shearing shed designed clubhouse. The long drive helps to build the anticipation of the day ahead as one passes through a pine plantation, a working cattle farm where sheep abound, across streams and along roads cut out from sheer faced cliffs.
The Hawke's Bay region is a foodie’s paradise with great local flavours to sample and enjoy. The New Zealand Wine Centre can take you on a journey to learn about how the region’s wines are made and you can grab a packaged four course lunch option to sample the fine flavours. You can also go on a bike tour to see Napier’s stunning views and vineyards to taste the premium wines.
Hawke's Bay Trails can offer beginner riders, keen cyclists, walkers and runners 180km of on-road and off-road trails where you will see everything from mountainous lookouts and beautiful lowland rivers to endangered wetland wildlife and the sweeping Hawke's Bay coastline.
This evening we will enjoy a dinner at a local winery.
Porters Boutique Hotel – Premier King Room
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Sun, Mar 29Taupo Wairakei
Today we check out of our accommodation and continue our journey on the Napier to Taupo “highway”, a road of national significance, being one of the very first bridal tracks built in the 1800’s to connect the central North Island to the east coast. As we pass through native forest on our 3-hour journey, we will witness 1000 year old species of trees including Kauri, Rimu, Totora and Macrocarpa – all native trees to New Zealand and our Guardians of the Forest! We will arrive into Taupo and check into the Hilton Lake Taupo Hotel for three nights. You are greeted with majestic views overlooking Lake Taupo with its backdrop of the trio of mountains Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe. As part of a volcanic plateau, formed by a super volcano which erupted 28,000 years ago, Lake Taupo itself is 150 metres deep and covers an area just under that of New York City!
Today play Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary which sprawls over its expansive property using the natural contours to the fullest. Over 100 bunkers are carefully positioned to catch errant shots and cleverly placed water hazards provide both a visual beauty and challenge. Officially opened in 1970, the course lies on 450 acres of natural rolling countryside and was developed to meet the rigorous design standards required for world class championship competition.
Later today we will check into our next accommodation at Hilton Lake Taupo.
Hilton Lake Taupo – Guest Room Plus
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Mon, Mar 30Huka Falls and Rotorua
A day in the region to visit the world-famous Huka Falls and a unique glass blowing gallery, as well as a visit to Rotorua to experience some local Maori culture where you will learn how New Zealand’s cultural mix has blended over two centuries to create a warm and hospitable nation of peoples.
Hilton Lake Taupo– King Guest Room Plus
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Tues, Mar 31Lake Taupo
Today play The Kinloch Club. Designed by world renowned golfer and course designer, Jack Nicklaus and has been lauded for its quality design and testing challenge. Ideally situated in the central portion of the North Island, with spectacular views of Lake Taupo. At Kinloch, the land's characteristics feature fast-moving contours and knobs, and Nicklaus recreated that same look in the golf course. Many have described this links like layout as a course reminiscent of the coastal gems in Scotland.
This beautiful resort and holiday base enjoys a scenic location on the shores of Lake Taupo, at the centre of the North Island. The town sits on a thermal belt, and visitors can see areas of boiling mud, steam and geysers north of the town at Wairakei Park and Orakei Korako. Thermal activity first attracted visitors during the 1880s, but today the town lures anglers from throughout the world with a plentiful supply of rainbow and brown trout. Lake Taupo is popular for swimming, boating, waterskiing, jetskiing, kayaking, rowing and scenic cruises, while thrillseekers can enjoy bungy jumping, tandem skydiving, jetboating and whitewater rafting. The spectacular Huka Falls and the Aratiatia Rapids lie to the north of the town, while to the south are the imposing mountains of the volcanic plateau and the skifields of Mount Ruapehu.
This evening we will enjoy a Maori Culinary Experience.
Hilton Lake Taupo – King Guest Room Plus
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Wed, Apr 1Hobbiton or Hamilton Gardens
Today is a long day. Driving straight through from Taupo to Te Arai would take approximately 5-hours. In order to break up the journey, we will be stopping along the way for some of the area's most popular sightseeing.
As we drive north from Taupo to Te Arai, we will either stop at Hobbiton for a tour of the movie set of Lord of the Rings where an incredible experience waits, or at the lovely Hamilton Gardens, based on the banks of the Waikato River.
This evening we will check into our next accommodation at Te Arai Links.
Te Arai Links – Super King Suite
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Thurs, Apr 2 Te Arai – North*
Today play Te Arai Links – North Course. According to course designer Tom Doak, "The North Course starts and finishes on the ocean, but for me the unique character of the course will be found inland. The green of the par-4 5th hole, and the next tee, sit high on a ridge adjacent to an ancient Māori Pa, or hill fortress, built from the largest dune on the property, while the 4th, 6th, 7th and 9th greens sit in a shared bowl amongst the dunes." Possibly the most dramatic holes on the course will be the 11th and 13th. The former is a long par-5 with an elevated green and a ‘whirlpool’ hazard to the right, some seven meters below the green. The 13th is a long par-4 with its green at the edge of a huge natural bunker, so that second shots have to be played over the sand or safely around to the left. It’s a hole very reminiscent of Pine Valley in New Jersey, and indeed so is much of the inland terrain at Te Arai. It is odd having to apologize for a golf course that ‘only’ features the ocean for seven of the 18 holes, but that is how spoiled golfers have become by the best of New Zealand’s modern golf courses. The North Course promises to be near the head of the class.
On-Property Activities
MASSAGE - Massages are available in your private accommodation. Massages range from 45mins to 90mins, and our experienced masseuse can tailor the treatment to your needs.
BEAUTY - A range of beauty services are available in your private accommodation. Choose from manicures, pedicures, or a wide range of facials.
YOGA - With a private instructor. In the privacy of your accommodation or a scenic location around Te Arai Links. Anything is possible, from sunrise yoga on the beach or a post-golf stretch session. Available for individuals or small groups.Te Arai Links – Super King Suite
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Fri, Apr 3 Te Arai – South*
Today play Te Arai Links – South Course. The South Course at Te Arai Links was designed by world renowned golf architects Coore & Crenshaw. It is a uniquely special site for golf, comprised of sand dunes and landforms sculpted by the wind, adjacent to the sea. Te Arai’s landforms vary from heaving sand ridges and meandering valleys to rumpled contours reminiscent of the classic seaside links on which the game began. These contours are the foundation and inspiration for the golf holes of Te Arai Links. The holes are as varied in appearance and character as the land itself. There are highly individualistic, some might even say, quirky holes like the shortish par fours at three, six and sixteen, each reflecting the drama and unique character of the landforms that created their concepts. There are more traditional yet equally dramatic holes like the inland second, the tenth and eleventh; and there are the visually spectacular seaside holes at seven, eight, nine and fifteen through eighteen. There are lengthy holes and finesse holes. There are holes with varying shapes and sizes, with character and golf strategic are based upon the natural contours. The South Course at Te Arai Links has sixteen ocean view golf holes and eight holes bordering directly on the sea making it a photogenic and visually stunning golf course.
Off-Property Activities
HIKES AND WALKING TRACKS - There are an array of hikes in the local area to suit all fitness levels.
SURFING - Whether you are a first-time surfer or a seasoned pro, the beautiful beaches of Te Arai and Mangawhai offer waves for all.
HORSE RIDING - Book a horseback adventure to really connect with the surrounding environment. Rides can be tailored to suit all guests, from slow and steady to fast and exhilarating.
PADDLE BOARDING AND KAYAKING - Stand up paddle boarding (SUP) is safe, fun, and easy – and it’s the perfect way to experience our beautiful coastline from a whole new perspective.Later we leave Te Arai Links and continue north for a 2.5 hour drive to our most northern stay of the tour, the Bay of Islands awaits. The final piece of a New Zealand itinerary, as a tried and tested knockout punch to complete an incredible tour is a stay at the Rosewood Kauri Cliffs Lodge.
Rosewood Kauri Cliffs – Grand Ocean View Junior Suite
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Sat, Apr 4Bay of Islands Kauri Cliffs
Today play Kauri Cliffs. This world class course also offers unparalleled spectacular ocean views. Situated high above the ocean on 4,000 acres of working farmland, 15 of the holes look out on the Pacific Ocean. Immaculately presented, it is a fantastic experience to play, and the memories will last forever. The inland holes wind through marsh, forest and farmland as this magnificent course is presented in a natural setting. Fred Couples and Michael Campbell battled here in a Shell’s Wonderful World of Golf match.
There are an abundance of activities on site ranging from horse riding, surf casting, walking, biking, or simply chilling out in the spa or by the swimming pool.
This evening we join together for our Farewell Dinner.
Rosewood Kauri Cliffs – Grand Ocean View Junior Suite
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Sun, Apr 5Depart Auckland, New Zealand
After breakfast transfer 4-hours back to Auckland Airport for homeward flights (the earliest recommended departure flight time from Auckland is 3:00PM).
Additionally, in lieu of the provided ground transfer from Kauri Cliffs to Auckland Airport, should you make your own domestic flight arrangements from Kerikeri to Auckland, we recommend allowing 5 hours between the time you land in Auckland and the time of your departing flight from Auckland.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
*Play is riding with golf carts (included in program price) throughout, with exception of golf courses identified with an asterisk (*) where play will be walking only with caddies. Golf shoe spikes of any kind (including softspikes) are strictly prohibited at Te Arai Links - only spikeless footwear is allowed on both courses.
Golf Courses
Lodging
Ground Transportation
Your local ground transportation will be provided throughout by comfortable air conditioned motorcoaches ensuring a relaxing travel environment. Your PerryGolf Host will accompany you throughout the tour and be present at all social functions, taking care of the finer details. This way you can relax with complete confidence that the logistics of your vacation are in expert hands. Your PerryGolf Host will be accompanied by a local English speaking guide as appropriate to the schedule.
Non Golfers will typically have organized touring options on golf days and dependent on the final numbers, an additional driver/guide may be added as required.
Inclusions
- Thoughtfully selected accommodations in specified room category (as listed in Itinerary) based on double occupancy
- Full breakfast daily, light lunch on all golf days and other meals where indicated on Day-by-Day Itinerary
- Select beer, wine, spirits and soft drinks with included dinners/lunches
- Green fees and starting times for each round as indicated and shared use of golf cart and/or caddies where available (refer to Itinerary for cart & caddie availability by course)
- Transportation, handling and management of golf equipment
- All privately guided sightseeing tours and admission charges with local English-speaking guides where indicated on Day-by-Day Itinerary
- Full-time PerryGolf tour host
- All airport transfers and ground transportation
- All local taxes, service charges and gratuities on included items
Important Information
- Golf Handicap Limit: Our golf tours and cruises visit courses with varying challenges, requiring players to meet a certain standard. To ensure an enjoyable experience among like-minded golfers, we set maximum handicaps of 28 for men and 36 for women.
- Golf Courses: Course lineup may be subject to change if a club hosts a conflicting event or for other reasons. In such cases, PerryGolf will endeavor to arrange a comparable course and notify guests promptly.
Not Included
- Airfare to/from destination
- Travel protection
Pricing
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Please refer to the Reservation Form for details regarding Deposit, Payment, Cancelation and Travel Insurance.
FAQs
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What is PerryGolf’s Small Group Tour background?
We have operated small group tours since 1984, principally for small groups of friends on a customized basis. The small group tours we now offer are slightly different in that individuals who do not know each other can sign up for the trip and be part of a larger group. The service and delivery principle are the same however. We strive to excel and deliver memorable golf and travel experiences as we have done for thousands of clients since 1984.
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Tell me more about Small Group Tour experience.
If you enjoy combining your love of golf with a passion for travel, you’ll find a relaxing and highly rewarding experience on this Small Group Tour for a party of 24 - 30. Every aspect is fully managed from the handling of your luggage and equipment to hotel and golf course check ins. Various meals, guided sightseeing, carts / caddies, local taxes, service charges and gratuities (excluding caddies) are included in addition to sandwiches, snacks plus an open bar for beer and wine during our time at each of the golf courses. Best of all, this PerryGolf vacation promises an ideal opportunity to join a group of fun, like-minded new friends.
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Where do the Small Group Tours operate?
Our portfolio of Small Group Tours is assembled on an annual basis. Most will feature countries we offer for Custom Tours including Scotland, Spain, Italy, France, New Zealand, Australia and South Africa but we also enjoy taking the opportunity to visit exceptional golf and lifestyle destinations people don’t always think of such as South American and Southeast Asia. Check Small Group Tours for our current portfolio.
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Should I take out travel insurance?
PerryGolf strongly recommends that you have luggage, accident and trip cancellation insurance. It is important for your own self-interest and protection that you make certain you have adequate coverage. Full details of the Travel Insurance that PerryGolf can make available to you is available here.
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What format do the Small Group Tours follow?
Our Small Group Tours are a fully managed all-inclusive experience, delivered in a way that ensures exceptional guest satisfaction. All arrangements and logistics are managed in advance and onsite by PerryGolf. Beyond golf, guests are free to explore on their own arrangements. The ethos of the escorted tour program is to create a turnkey environment for travelers to relax and enjoy every aspect of the tour, without concerning themselves with the details. The program creates a stress-free environment, allowing guests to relax and enjoy their chosen destination and the opportunity of playing some of the world’s finest and most memorable golfing venues…to do so in the company of existing or likeminded new-found friends.
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What is included in the price of the Escorted Tour?
Our Small Group Tours are as all-inclusive as it is possible to be while providing each traveler the flexibility to create their own experiences. All accommodations, breakfasts, welcome & farewell cocktails & dinner, (often multiple dinner), all transportation and gratuities are included. At the golf courses, all greens fees, cart fees (or caddies at certain venues – excludes caddie gratuity), range balls, lunches, open bar at respective clubhouses and gratuities are included.
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What is a typical Small Group Tour group size?
The typical group size is approximately 24 golfers, with on average a further 10 non-golfing spouses. Some guests join our Small Group Tours as relatively self-contained groups, e.g. 2 or 4 couples who know each other, and they will have their own golfing partners already arranged. Other guests travel as individual couples or single travelers and are seeking to meet and play golf with other guests. We will arrange golf pairings for these guests and through this a great many friendship are born. Non-golfing spouses are also perfectly catered for with a range of sightseeing opportunities available.
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What is a typical golf day?
Transfers from your hotel to golf courses are coordinated ample time to arrive, hit balls and have lunch (if time appropriate). Similarly, after golf, there is time scheduled for drinks before returning to your hotel. Additional activities are scheduled on escorted trips and clearly listed on each day’s schedule.
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Tell me more about Small Group Tour experience.
If you enjoy combining your love of golf with a passion for travel, you’ll find a relaxing and highly rewarding experience on this Small Group Tour for a party of 24 - 30. Every aspect is fully managed from the handling of your luggage and equipment to hotel and golf course check ins. Various meals, guided sightseeing, carts / caddies, local taxes, service charges and gratuities (excluding caddies) are included in addition to sandwiches, snacks plus an open bar for beer and wine during our time at each of the golf courses. Best of all, this PerryGolf vacation promises an ideal opportunity to join a group of fun, like-minded new friends.
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Are internal flights included?
Yes. When a tour requires an internal flight in the middle of an Escorted Tour, PerryGolf will include the cost of an economy ticket in the package cost. We will also include your carriage of golf equipment where relevant and a suitable luggage allowance. Guests are responsible for their own arrival/departure international flight arrangements which our Air Services staff can assist you with at 800.344.5257 or Air@PerryGolf.com.
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What is the expected dress code?
Depending on the destination, smart golfing attire is expected, bermuda shorts and collared shirts never go out of style. Shorts are welcome and typical on the golf course. Indeed, dress codes as would apply in North America apply on golf courses around the world. In the evening shorts or long pants are acceptable with golf/casual shirt. There is no requirement at any stage for a coat and/or tie.
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Are gratuities included?
All local taxes plus service charges and gratuities are included for all included items such as guides, baggage handling, golf service personnel etc. The only gratuity which is not included is the gratuity to your caddie. This is because we consider it to be a more one to one personal matter which is as much about personal recognition as it is about the actual remuneration. A gratuity of $15-$20 per caddie per round is appropriate.
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How much free time will we have?
For guests who are golfing and sightseeing, it is a fairly full schedule, with the majority of guests wishing to see and do as much as they can in what may be a once in a lifetime trip. We do however build in some “downtime” to allow guests to simply relax and enjoy the outstanding facilities at our various hotels.
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What level of fitness & mobility is required?
Aspects of PerryGolf trips may require a certain level of fitness and mobility in order for a guest to participate fully. Activities may include walking over uneven or rough surfaces, stepping on/off buses, walking up/down stairways where elevators do not exist, stepping in/out of tender boats or occasionally smaller boats, this list is intended as representative but is not exhaustive. If a guest has any concerns over their fitness or mobility levels they should discuss this in advance of any trip with a PerryGolf golf travel specialist and they will provide further information with regard to the activities that you are concerned about, but in general, PerryGolf activities are not designed or intended to be overly strenuous.
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If I am not golfing, are there additional sightseeing activities on “golf” days?
On most of days when golf is scheduled, there will be additional sightseeing / touring activities for the non-golfing guests. See the schedule for details.
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Can I ship my golf clubs ahead of me to my destination?
Yes you can send your golf clubs, and indeed any luggage in advance to your destination to avoid checked baggage hassles. For more information click here.
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Can PerryGolf assist with my air travel arrangements?
PerryGolf can provide comprehensive assistance with your air travel arrangements for your PerryGolf trip. We enjoy attractive premium cabin fares with our Preferred Carriers who serve our destinations. These fares are bundled with our land arrangements. For more information click here.
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What are the key services PerryGolf provides?
PerryGolf is luxury golf tour operator with a unique portfolio of worldwide travel experience and is uniquely qualified to arrange every aspect of a luxurious, international golf vacation. Learn more here.
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Are there testimonials from past travelers?
We have lots of testimonials from our gracious clients - too many to show them all. But you can view some here.
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Are there more photos from past trips?
You can view photo albums from various destinations from some of our past trips here.
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Can I get laundry done on the tour?
Generally, yes, as most hotel stays are at least three days. Please confirm with your Golf Travel Expert to plan accordingly.
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Do you have any booking tips?
Simply we encourage guests to book as far in advance as possible as soon as program launches …. to ensure your spot. Often programs can sell out quite quickly as they are limited in the number of participants.
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Who should I contact for further assistance or to book a PerryGolf Escorted Tour?
Enquiries should be directed to our dedicated team of Golf Travel Experts at Expert@PerryGolf.com or 800.344.5257 option 3. Our experts are all golfers who understand the needs of golfers. They know the venues and all the details of the programs. They are ideally placed to provide the best assistance and guidance.