Get a Free Cairo Extension With Bales Nile Tours

For a limited time only, the specialist worldwide tours of Bales Worldwide is offering a FREE three-night Cairo extension on their superb Nostalgic Nile tour if booked by April 30. The details are as follows:

The Nostalgic Nile, from £2,095pp, with free Cairo Extension

This eight-day itinerary with Bales Worldwide includes scheduled flights with EgyptAir to Luxor, accommodation on a traditional ‘dahabiyya’ luxury sailing vessel and sightseeing encompassing Luxor, Esna, Kom Ombo, Aswan and Cairo. The trip also features English-speaking guides on board who will take care of tipping, a private air-conditioned vehicle for transfers, a sightseeing itinerary (including entrance fees) and the exclusive ‘dahabiyya’ cruise. Prices are per person based on two adults travelling 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 departures on Apr 27.

Three night Cairo extension

Extend your time in Egypt with 3 nights in the vibrant capital, staying at the luxurious Oberoi Mena House in a Pyramid view room. This extension includes: Transfers, 3 nights at Mena House in a Pyramid View Room, Daily Breakfast, Half-Day Guided Tour of Pyramids and Sphinx at Giza, Entrance to Solar Boat Museum at Pyramids, and a Half-Day Guided Tour of Egyptian Museum

For more info, follow this link to the Cruise Line, the UK's luxury river cruising specialists.

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From the Nile to Damascus

By guest blogger Steve Newman

The Middle East has long been a magnet for those who wish to combine cruising with the study of ancient civilisations. Take this tradition with a combined land-and-cruise journey and you really have the chance to get under the skin of these places and their cultures, both past and present.

In March next year, discerning travellers have the chance to take a six-night cruise in the Red Sea combined with land elements to visit some of the most impressive ancient ruins on Earth for an amazing 17-day journey.

Organised in typical exemplary style by Noble Caledonia, the trip starts with three nights in Cairo with trips to the Pyramids and other famous historical sites before you board the MS Island Sky for the cruise from Suez to Aqaba. The ship underwent a complete refurbishment in May and I can thoroughly recommend her as a superb vessel for this type of cruise having sailed on her myself recently.

Calling in at Safaga, a journey through the desert brings you to Luxor for a two-day excursion that also includes the Valley of the Kings. Amazingly, the best is yet to come as, after disembarking at Aqaba, the wonder of the orange and red sands of the desert of Wadi Rum are visited in Jordan, followed by a two-night stay at Petra (above) the "Rose red city, older than time."

Floating in the Dead Sea at its marvellous resort that drips luxury and exclusiveness, walking through Amman and sitting in wonder on the steps of the theatres in the ancient Roman city of Jerash are all followed by the fascination of the Mosques and Orthodox churches of Damascus.

How's that for true Middle Eastern magnificence?

For more information, look up http://www.noble-caledonia.co.uk/

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