Amazon and The Nile with Bales Worldwide

Luxury Amazon Cruise from £3,595pp

Peru is one of several South American countries with sizable areas of land in the Amazon Basin, and the Pacaya Samiria Reserve offers pristine rainforest wildlife, yet is easily accessible from the city of Iquitos. Only in Peru do you have the opportunity to explore this terrain aboard the M/V Aria, the newest luxury river boat cruising anywhere in the Amazon. With expert local native guides, you will explore the wildlife and culture of this unique part of the world. This itinerary sees you visit Lima, the ‘City of Kings,’ before you fly north to cruise the Amazon and its tributaries on a four night cruise – a superb introduction to the jungle.

Nine day Luxury Amazon cruise with Bales Worldwide including four night cruise on the M/V Aria and three nights in Lima. Prices are per person based on two adults travelling and sharing on a mixed board basis. Price includes all applicable UK and overseas airport taxes and fuel surcharges which are subject to change. Prices are based on select departure dates from July to December 2012. To book: Call 0845 057 0600 or visit www.balesworldwide.com.

Nile Cruise:

After 15 years of part-closure, the Egyptian Government has announced that they are opening up the great Nile from Cairo to Aswan. This iconic 600-mile journey was one of Bales Worldwide’s most popular holidays prior to closure and the company is thrilled to announce plans recommencing this luxury voyage again, aboard its exclusive Dahabiyya sailboats, from this October. Some of only a handful of boats allowed to make this timeless journey; Dahabiyyas are fully inclusive and cater for just 12 passengers. Each sailing is accompanied by an Egyptologist, making it the ultimate way to discover Egypt’s rich cultural heritage whilst passing through the breathtaking views, dreamy vistas and riverside towns.

During the journey guests can explore the lesser known sites of Middle Egypt, such as the rock-cut tombs of Beni Hasan, Tell el-Amarna and Abydos; a must for those who are fascinated by the history of Egypt. However the greatest highlight of all may just be rediscovering the River Nile aboard one of Bales Worldwide’s luxurious and traditional Dahabiyyas sailboats.

Bales Worldwide has been arranging luxury tours to Egypt for over 50 years and will start these unique and exciting cruises in the cooler months of autumn after the new 600 mile itineraries have been finalised and to celebrate the company’s 65^th Anniversary. Whilst departure dates and new operational elements of this tour are being completed, Bales Worldwide is offering those interested in the opportunity to pre-register interest online and be one of the first to receive finalised dates and prices for this unique experience.

For other fascinating Egypt holidays visit www.baleworldwide.com

Te Nile and amazon with ITC

The Nile, Egypt

Oberoi Zahra

Offering the most spacious accommodation on the Nile and the exceptional standards of service and hospitality that Oberoi Hotels and Resorts is renowned for the elegant Oberoi Zahra is the perfect way in which to unravel the mysteries of five thousand years of Egyptian culture. The 25 Luxury Cabins are elegantly appointed and feature large windows through which you can marvel at the changing scenery. For a little additional space and comfort choose one of the 2 Luxury Suites, each equipped with a separate living room, private terrace and Jacuzzi. Dining on board is an international experience and, as you would expect, the cuisine is a la carte and offers daily variety and choice.

Small enough to ensure a level of exclusivity and comfort that is unmatched in the region, at the same time the Oberoi Zahra is large enough to offer a variety of facilities. She has the only full service spa on the Nile, featuring four therapy rooms, and there’s surely no finer way to enjoy a spa treatment than while enjoying uninterrupted views of the Nile. The little things have been thought of too and one special treat is to use one of the on board telescopes to take in spectacular views of the Egyptian night sky. Choose to sail from Luxor to Aswan or vice versa on a 7 night itinerary, with shore excursions en route to a variety of magical sites. The Oberoi Zahra has arranged private docking, making for a relaxed experience each time you disembark and each excursion is by luxury coach and is accompanied by an English speaking Egyptologist.

Prices start from approx. £2500 per person however for an exact cost do let me know as ITC Classics will package this up for you. To book call ITC Classics 01244 355 527; www.itcclassics.co.uk

Amazon, Peru

Aqua Expeditions

Aqua Expeditions is the first adventure company to introduce five-star luxury cruises on the Peruvian Amazon. The 24-passenger M/V Aqua launched in 2008 and due to high demand M/V Aria (capacity of 32) launched this year. Each generously sized cabin comes with king-size bed, sitting areas and floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows, that provide an incredible viewing experience. The service is superb, the food gourmet with a Peruvian flair and the wine list the very best South America has to offer - but it’s the access into the world’s last great wilderness that makes it truly ultimate. Three- four- and seven-night cruises leave from Iquitos and sail through the Pacaya Samiria National Park, which is the size of Belgium, and a place where you can see squirrel monkeys, pink dolphins, Caimans and a rich bird life. Fish for piranhas, enjoy night river trips and visit the riberenos (riverside villages cut off from modern life) and smell of air in a world without pollution, because this is one of the last pristine places on earth, and fear not: Aqua Expeditions is as green as they come. Listed by Condé Nast Traveler US as a ‘World Saver’ (using travel to improve the planet) whether in education, poverty, wildlife, preservation and health, Aqua is on the ‘doing it all’ list!

Prices start from £4799 per person. To book call ITC Classics 01244 355 527; www.itcclassics.co.uk

Join Boudicca’s ‘Amazon Adventure’cruise from Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines!

Cruisers looking for adventure could hardly do better than to join Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Boudicca for her ‘Amazon Adventure’ cruise, D1301, departing from Portsmouth on 5th January 2013 – an amazing opportunity to explore the fascinating world of the mighty Amazon River.

The outward voyage of this exotic 35-night cruise travels via the ‘Garden Isle’ of Madeira, visiting capital Funchal, then Mindelo in the Cape Verde Islands. From Macapa (Brazil), Boudicca enters the mighty Amazon River, travelling as far as Manaus (Brazil), some 900 miles up-river.

The ship then travels to the heart of the Amazon, and there are many cruise tours available for greater insight into this exotic region: from Santarem (Brazil), guests can travel to the Santa Lucia Woods and enjoy a guided walk along forest trails; at Boca da Valeria (Brazil), they can meet a community of local villagers, living in wooden stilt houses. Another highlight is viewing the astonishing buildings of Manaus (Brazil), built by the rubber barons in the late 19th Century, which are splendidly ornate and ostentatious. The exotic wildlife, vibrant colours, and sounds of the Amazon will live on in the memory for years to come.

On the return voyage, Boudicca departs the Amazon via Parintins (Brazil) and Macapa (Brazil), and continues to the white sands and crystal blue waters of the Caribbean; guests can gently 'kick back' and cruise the Caribbean islands of Tobago, St. Vincent, Barbados, Antigua and St. Lucia. This fascinating cruise has an additional attraction; the appropriate theme of ‘Amazonia’ through Fred. Olsen’s award-winning onboard enrichment programme. Expert talks and lectures on the history and culture of this amazing region will enhance guests’ experience and knowledge, at no extra cost.

Prices for this exciting cruise start from £4,469 per person, based on two adults sharing an outside, twin cabin, Grade ‘E’. The price includes all meals and entertainment on board, and port taxes.

For more info and booking details, be sure to check out this link with the UK's luxury cruise specialists, The Cruise Line Ltd.

Kayaking Down the Amazon with Linblad

Starting this month, Linblad's Peruvian Amazon expedition will be the first to offer kayaking in the Upper Amazon, providing guests even more accessibility to the lagoons, small tributaries and creeks of this pristine region. The intimate and stately vessel, the Delfin II, will be equipped with five 2-person kayaks to provide this in-depth experience. Guests will be able to enjoy the signature Lindblad Expedition, a combination of elegant accommodation, knowledgeable experts and uniquely close encounters with the nature and culture of the region.

Use this link to learm more about the cruise from the UK Adventure cruise specialists the Cruise Line.

SeaDream Yacht Club Opens for Early 2013 Voyage Bookings The Amazon is Back by Popular Demand

SeaDream Yacht Club - with its mega yachts SeaDream I & II, rated as the top Boutique Ships in the world by the 2011 Berlitz Guide - has released its early 2013 itineraries. The twin, 112-guest vessels will spend January - April 2013 sailing the Caribbean, visiting the smaller yachting playgrounds and harbours that large ships cannot reach. In addition, SeaDream II will be sailing the Amazon River in February and March.

2013 Amazon Highlights

• SeaDream II will sail two 20-night voyages; Bridgetown, Barbados to Iquitos, Peru and the return.
• Ports of call include Devil's Island, French Guiana; Parintins, Brazil; Manaus, Brazil; Panelas, Brazil; Leticia, Columbia and more.
• A naturalist will be aboard the Amazon voyages providing in depth information about the great river wilderness.
• Excursions will feature the jungle’s exotic plants and animals, Amazonian tribes, museums and markets.
• On one of Brazil’s best beaches in Alter do Chao, SeaDream hosts their Champagne and Caviar Splash™.

• Optional pre and post voyage over-land adventures feature one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu

Voyage-only fares for the two, 20-night Amazon voyages, departing Bridgetown on February 10, 2012 sailing to Iquitos, Peru; and departing Iquitos on March 23, 2012 returning to Bridgetown, lead in at : US$16,999 per person + US$1,220pp govt/port taxes.

2013 Caribbean Highlights

• SeaDream II offers voyages in the lush & unspoiled Grenadines, including the islands of Mayreau and Bequia.
• SeaDream I & II offer new calls in Puerto Rico to Fajardo Bay (calm, coral-rich water), Ponce (beautiful neoclassical buildings) and Caja de Muertos (superb snorkeling).
• SeaDream I & II offer more calls to Tortola and Norman Island in the British Virgin Islands.
• SeaDream I visits the ports of La Samana and Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic.
• SeaDream I & II will continue with overnight stays in St. Barts, where guests enjoy the island’s entertainment after dark.

Caribbean, 7-night voyage-only fares lead in at : US$ 3,199 per person + US$392pp govt/port taxes, sailing round-trip from San Juan, Puerto Rico to San Juan.

These voyage only fares above are based on two people sharing Yacht Club Deck 2 accommodation and include all meals, onboard gratuities, wine with lunch and dinner, a complimentary open bar and use of the yachts “water toys” and Marina (weather conditions permitting). 

Visit  www.seadream.com or The Cruise Line

Up the Amazon in Style

As part of Vistas, its wide-ranging cruise enhancement programme, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is proud to welcome on board the famed explorer Colonel John Blashford-Snell. Lecturing aboard Braemar’s cruise of the Brazilian Amazon, M1203, appropriately he will be talking about ‘Amazonia’ and expeditions to this fascinating region.

There could hardly be a better guest speaker for such an exciting cruises as Blashford-Snell has led some of the most ambitious expeditions ever undertaken. In 1968, when Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia invited the British Army to send a team to explore the Blue Nile, the then Royal Engineers’ Captain Blashford-Snell was invited to select and lead a team. The success of that venture led to many more, including the first vehicle crossing of the Darien Gap in 1971/2, and in 1974/5 the navigating of 2,700 miles of the Great Zaire River (also known as the Congo).

Colonel Blashford-Snell has led more than 100 expeditions, resulting in many important discoveries and supports numerous charities. His knowledge and experience will no doubt make him a fascinating and well-informed speaker.

The cruise departs on February 2, 2012, with flights from London-Gatwick and Manchester, to join the ship in Bridgetown, Barbados. Braemar then sails for the mouth of the Amazon, and cruises deep into the heart of this mighty river, visiting Santarem, Parintins and Manaus. The vibrant rainforest, with its colourful flora and fauna, will be brought even more vividly to life by the expert talks courtesy of Col. Blashford-Snell.

On the return journey, Braemar visits Tobago, then returns to Barbados for the flights home. Prices start from £1,939 per person, based on two adults sharing an inside twin cabin, Grade ‘I’. The price includes return chartered flights and transfers, accommodation and all meals and entertainment on board, in addition to port and airport taxes. Flights are with a fully-escorted exclusive Fred. Olsen charter.

Find out more about this cruise by visiting www.fredolsencruises.com or more about the Vistas enhancement programme at http://www.fredolsencruises-vistas.com/ or, for bookings, contact the UK's leading specialist cruise agents of The Cruise Line Ltd.

SeaDream

SeaDream visits the yachting playgrounds, intimate harbors and ports where larger ships cannot go. SeaDream I and SeaDream II spend May – October in Northern Europe, the Baltic, Norwegian Fjords, the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. With only 112 guests being pampered by an award-winning crew of 95 from November – April they visit the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, including specially designed, exclusive voyages to the Amazon from Barbados (Above) to Iquitos, Peru.

For more information visit http://www.seadream.com/

Up the Amazon with Aqua

Aqua Expeditions have operated the 24-passenger MV Aqua for several years now, featuring superb up-close encounters on the Upper Amazon and journeys into the amazing wildlife preserve of the Pacaya Samiria Park.

It is a rare and eco-friendly opportunity to really experience a part of the world that remains fairly remote and inaccessible for the most part, plus great service and fabulous local cuisine.

And now Aqua has a second ship offering the same level of exclusive, deluxe travel in this part of the world, with the MV Aria joining the fleet earlier this month. And, following its maiden voyage, a delighted chief executive officer Francesco Galli Zugaro emailed us this letter, which we think is worth re-printing in full to highlight their latest offering:

"It is with great pleasure that I announce the MV Aria, Aqua Expeditions' second five-star luxury river-cruiser on the Peruvian Amazon, set sail this past Friday on its maiden voyage with 21 passengers aboard including myself, my wife and three children.

Completed in just 12 months and in the most remote inland seaport of the world, this brand-new addition to our fleet features 16 sleek cabins with floor-to-ceiling picture windows, a fully air-conditioned top deck with a cool and contemporary observation lounge as well as Aqua Expeditions' signature Amazon Grill with menu designed by award-winning Executive Chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino. In addition, the Aria has an exercise room and an outdoor jacuzzi with sun deck, designed to accommodate the fitness-conscious traveler.

The boat's itineraries vary slightly to complement those of its sister ship, the MV Aqua, exploring remote areas of the Amazon River and the Pacaya Samiria Reserve. The 24-crew-member Aria is staffed with four world-class nature guides and also includes an Amazon wildlife reference library and air-conditioned multimedia room.

The Aria will provide the ever-growing number of travelers who wish to explore one of the world's last great wilderness areas with a one-of-a-kind travel experience. www.aquaexpeditions.com  or World of Cruising magazine