The Nostalgic Nile with Bales Worldwide

The late 19th century aristocracy of Europe would delight in cruising along the ancient splendours of the Nile Valley in their private ‘dahabiyyas,’ beautifully crafted wooden sailing vessels that presented the might of the Pharaohs from the vantage point of elegant convenience. At Bales we have recreated those halcyon days. Travelling with a small select group, you can witness the ancient treasures of Egypt up close and in a manner thought lost forever by discerning travellers. Avoiding the usual crowds and boats you have the advantage of an expert guide on hand to enlighten you along the way. Completing the entire journey between Luxor and Aswan (or vice versa), on either of our 4 exclusive Dahabiyyas, by boat also provides the opportunity to truly relax, with 7 nights onboard to fully appreciate this classic journey.

The Nostalgic Nile - Luxor-Aswan from £1,595 – Saving up to £600pp

12 day The Nostalgic Nile itinerary with Bales Worldwide, including scheduled flights and accommodation on The Amber, a traditional ‘dahabiyya’. Trip includes English-speaking guides on board who will also take care of tipping, private air conditioned vehicle for transfers, a sightseeing itinerary (including entrance fees), and exclusive ‘dahabiyya’ cruise. 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 14 December 2011 departure date.

To book: visit www.balesworldwide.com or luxury cruise specialists The Cruise Line

An award Winning Journey in Remarkable Times with Zegrahm

Voyage through the Red Sea

Zehrahm's brand-new Voyage through the Red Sea expedition has been named one of National Geographic Traveler magazine’s “Best Tours of a Lifetime” for 2011. The tour explores Jordan, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, including first-time visits to the lesser-traveled countries of Sudan and Eritrea. The November 6 – 22 itinerary is the perfect time to explore this seat of the world’s earliest civilizations with pleasant temperatures ranging from 55 to 85°F and a stable, yet fascinating political environment where a new chapter in the region’s history has literally unfolded within the last year (plus, this comes with the added bonus of fewer crowds at some of the region’s most popular tourist sites).

This voyage combines the Red Sea’s best cultural attractions along with several opportunities to engage in the region’s natural history with snorkeling and diving excursions. Among the many highlights of this award-winning expedition, you will have the opportunity to:

• Explore the rose-colored wonders of Petra, the capital of the ancient Nabatean Empire and now a World Heritage Site—even enjoy a candle-lit nighttime walk through the Siq to the Treasury, if you so choose;

• Overnight in Luxor, often considered the “world’s greatest open air museum,” to explore its various monuments, temples, and tombs;

• Cruise along the Nile in a traditional felucca sailing vessel, savoring lunch and views of the countryside along the way;

• Enjoy a walking tour of Jeddah’s well-preserved old city, considered the gateway to Mecca;

• Take in traditional daily life as we wander the pathways connecting the old, coral-block buildings of Suakin, Sudan—a major trading stop en route to Mecca;

• Snorkel and dive in the shimmering waters of Eritrea’s Dahlak Archipelago, an area renowned for its rich marine life and scenic beauty.

For more details visti www.zeco.com

The Sphinx is calling again: Uniworld Boutique River Cruises start in September

After a break to avoid the heat of high summer, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises resume their 2011 Egypt itineraries in September, with a new more luxurious hotel partner in Cairo – the Four Seasons Nile Plaza.

Departures for the 12-day Splendours of the Nile experience start on 3 September and will feature two nights in Cairo at both the beginning and the end of the 7 day cruise, staying at the hotel which is located on the Corniche on the banks of the Nile, affording panoramic views across the river to the island of Zamalek and beyond, or towards the 12th-century Citadel. It boasts ten restaurants and lounges offering a variety of international cuisine and also a state-of-the-art spa, the largest of its kind in the city, with 14 treatment rooms including a couple's treatment room, sauna, steam room, whirlpool, cold plunge, a serene relaxation area and indoor swimming pool. It also has three outdoor pools.

The hotel matches the level of comfort and service that guests can expect on board the River Tosca, which is where guests will spend 7 nights of the itinerary, sailing the Nile from Luxor to Aswan. Highlights of the whole itinerary include a visit to the Citadel, the Alabaster Mosque and the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, the pyramids of Giza and the enigmatic Sphinx as well as the Karnak and Luxor Temples in Luxor, and Temple of Hathor in Dendera, one of Egypt’s best preserved temples. No trip to Egypt would be complete without a visit to the Valley of the Kings and Queen Hatshepsut’s Temple as well as Aswan’s gems such as the High Dam, the Philae Temple and the Botanical Gardens. Throughout all this, you’ll be accompanied by highly skilled and knowledgeable Egyptologists, as well as a host of supporting guides.

The River Tosca is an intimate all suite ship, with a capacity for 82 guests, blending old world elegance with modern amenities. Each beautifully appointed suite has a French balcony and comes kitted with iPod docking stations, flat screen TVs and both a bathtubs and shower in the private bathrooms. The public areas include a stylish lounge with full-service bar, a cosy library, elegant restaurant, sundeck with cabanas and a swimming pool, plus a fully equipped gym and massage room.

For more information and to book please visit http://www.uniworldrivercruises.co.uk/ or call 0845 678 8558

Zegrahm Expeditions "Tours of a LifeTime"

Zegrahm Expeditions is once again thrilled to be selected for National Geographic Traveler Magazine’s “Tours of a Lifetime.” In the past, the honours have been bestowed upon the adventure travel company’s tropical, natural history-focused expeditions—Beyond Rapa Nui, Ultimate Seychelles, and Faces of Melanesia—but this year they are excited to announce that the honors were given to a brand new, in-depth cultural tour: Voyage Through the Red Sea. This 17-day expedition, aboard the Clipper Odyssey, departs November 6, 2011 and visits Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Eritrea.

This voyage combines the Red Sea’s best cultural attractions along with several opportunities to snorkel and dive, plus offers a rare glimpse into a number of hospitable countries rarely visited by Western travelers. Highlights of this tour include:

• Exploring the rose-colored wonders of Petra, the capital of the ancient Nabatean Empire and now a World Heritage Site.

• Cruising along the Nile in a traditional felucca sailing vessel.

• Visiting several exquisite World Heritage Sites in Egypt—Monastery of St. Catherine (Above) and the treasures of ancient Thebes, including Luxor, Karnak, and the Valley of the Kings.

• Walking tour of Jeddah’s well-preserved old city, considered the gateway to Mecca.

• Snorkeling and diving in the shimmering waters of the Dahlak Archipelago, an area renowned for its rich marine life and scenic beauty.

To learn more about this voyage visit www.zeco.com or The Cruise Line