Business Class + First Class Airfares – Luxury Travel Tours + Cruises – Your Holidays.com.au

Exclusive Deals

Valid for travel: 10th August 2011 – 15th December 2011

Sales End: EXPIRED

Depart: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or Adelaide
Destination: London, Paris, Rome, Vienna, Zurich, Manchester, Frankfurt, Nice, Dublin and more

Return Business Class: $5600 + taxes of approx. $1000

Contact us on 1300 968 787 for more information

Conditions:

Minimum of 2 adults must travel together
Valid for travel on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday ONLY!
Must book 7 days prior to travel date

First Class

First offers exceptional comfort and refined surroundings. Relax in your suite and let our dedicated crew attend to your every request. From the moment you check in to the moment you land at your destination, First delivers all your travel essentials in a seamless, exemplary and quintessentially British manner.

First comfort

Introducing the new First suite and cabin, British Airways invite you to discover an enhanced experience onboard British Airways.

Taking on their customers’ feedback, they have designed an elegant and stylish environment featuring thoughtful and practical touches, such as:

Unique personal windows, incorporating the first electronic blinds onboard a commercial aircraft that span two windows

Seats that are 60% wider at the shoulder

Your own wardrobe

A distinctive lighting system, designed to recreate the subtlety of natural light throughout the day to help you feel at home when working, dining or simply relaxing.

Drift off to sleep

Should you decide you’re ready to sleep, you can slip into wonderfully soft cotton pyjamas and request our Turndown Service at any time of the day. We’ll make up your fully flat bed with a specially designed single–piece quilted mattress, crisp white 400–thread Egyptian cotton duvet and pillow to help you to drift off in comfort more blissfully than ever.

Wake up refreshed

When it’s time to freshen up, you can use our range of well–being products from D.R. Harris & Co., one of London’s longest established traditional pharmacies that only uses the finest natural ingredients. Products include e.g. eye gel, lip balm and moisturiser, all enclosed in a stylish Anya Hindmarch bag, exclusively designed for First.

NOTE: NEW Suites are not available on all Flights as yet.

Special Business Class Airfares

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Special One way upgrade to First Class Airfares

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Terms & Conditions

• Prices & taxes are subject to change without notice.
• Limited availability on special airfares.
• Advertised price is per person, based on return airfares.
• Taxes are given as guided only as it may varies depending on your departure city, destination cities and number of stops.
• Additional levies and other applicable fees may apply. Additional taxes specific to your flight routing may apply.

Emirates Business Class provides the ideal environment, whether you choose to work, relax, or rest.

Emirates now offers a new generation of lie-flat seating in Business Class on selected aircraft. With ample room for all passengers at 78″ long when reclined, the new minipod seats include personal storage, massage features and a privacy divider.

An in-seat power supply, dual port USB and extra-large table provide a comfortable workspace, while hundreds of channels of entertainment are available on a 17″ widescreen TV.

Their award-winning, multilingual cabin crew is on hand to provide everything you need throughout the flight.

The experience starts with their award winning service—their cabin crew will see that you have everything you need throughout the flight.

With laptop charging, SMS, phone and email from your seat on all aircraft, you won’t have to miss out on a second of work.
And when it’s time to relax, sleeper seats and lie-flat seats on selected routes provide plenty of room to spread out and get comfortable.
They endeavour to provide all of the services and amenities you need to arrive refreshed and ready for the rest of your journey.

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Terms & Conditions

• Prices & taxes are subject to change without notice.
• Limited availability on special airfares.
• Advertised price is per person, based on return airfares.
• Taxes are given as guided only as it may varies depending on your departure city, destination cities and number of stops.
• Additional levies and other applicable fees may apply. Additional taxes specific to your flight routing may apply.

9 days Cairo to Cairo

All inclusive prices starting at: $2554

Sail through 5-thousand years of history on this incredible getaway. In Cairo, guided sightseeing  introduces you to the highlights of the city as well as to the Sphinx and  the Great Pyramids in nearby Giza. Admire the Ramses II statue and the Alabaster Sphinx in Memphis and travel to the Mediterranean seaport of Alexandria. Then fly to Luxor for a 4-night Nile River cruise showcasing the stunning monuments of Karnak, the Valley of Kings and Valley of Queens, Queen Hatshepsut’s Temple, and the Temple of Horus. See the Old Dam in Aswan, the Temple of Isis, and enjoy a ride on a traditional felucca.

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Meals

Breakfast – 8

Lunch – 4

Dinner – 4

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Itinerary

Day 1: ARRIVE IN CAIRO, EGYPT.

A welcome drink awaits you at your hotel; settle in and start soaking up the atmosphere of this exciting city.

Day 2: CAIRO.

Meet your Egyptologist and travelling companions at 8 am. Sightseeing in and around Africa’s largest metropolis starts with a close-up look at one of the Seven Wonders of the World: the guardian of the great pyramids, the enigmatic SPHINX, and the daunting GREAT PYRAMIDS of Giza. Cheops, with an original height of 152 metres (496 feet), is the most colossal pyramid ever built. Then, drive to the ancient Egyptian capital of MEMPHIS, where you can admire the 12 metres (40-foot) statue of RAMSES II and the ALABASTER SPHINX. On to Sakkara, a vast desert necropolis built for kings and nobles, and its “STAIRWAY TO THE SKY,” the oldest of all pyramids. Tonight, enjoy a SOUND & LIGHT SHOW at the pyramids that will put these wonders of the ancient world into an easily understandable historic context. (B)

Day 3: CAIRO-LUXOR (EMBARKATION

Today, fly 483 kilometres (300 miles) up the Nile Valley to Luxor, where your elegant river cruise vessel awaits your arrival. After lunch on board, see the stunning monuments of LUXOR and KARNAK, the greatest cities of ancient Egypt that had a combined population of more than one million. To walk among the pillars of the colossal TEMPLE OF AMUN-RA and along the AVENUE OF THE SPHINXES is an experience you will treasure the rest of your life. (B,L,D)

Day 4: LUXOR-EDFU

Focus on the VALLEY OF KINGS and VALLEY OF QUEENS on the west bank of the Nile, where generations of pharaohs and nobles were buried in great splendour in crypts cut into the cliffs. Sixty-two royal tombs have been uncovered so far, of which only the tomb of Tutankhamun was nearly inviolate when discovered in 1922. Visit DEIR EL-BAHRI, Queen Hatshepsut’s monumental rock temple. Stop for pictures at the two COLOSSI OF MEMNON guarding the valleys. For a little fun tonight, take part in a GALABYA PARTY on board. (B,L,D)

Day 5: EDFU-KOM OMBO-ASWAN.

This morning, visit the TEMPLE OF HORUS with its menacing black stone statue of the falcon god. Built in the time of Cleopatra about 2,000 years ago, it is recent by Old Egyptian standards and beautifully preserved. After lunch, dock at KOM OMBO for a short walk to its bluff-top twin temples. The right side is dedicated to the crocodile god, Sobek-Re, while the left side is dedicated to the falcon god, Horus. Later, sail on to Aswan and enjoy an exclusive lecture on this ancient civilization by your Egyptologist. (B,L,D)

Day 6: ASWAN.

This morning, consider an optional flight (weather permitting) to the huge sandstone temples of Abu Simbel. Return to your ship in time for lunch. This afternoon, board a FELUCCA and sail right across the blue waters of the river. En route, see the ancient “nilometer” on Elephantine Island, Kitchener Island’s lush BOTANICAL GARDENS, and the splendid Aga Khan Mausoleum on the left bank. Haggle for bargains in the local souk before returning to your ship for a final night. (B,L,D)

Day 7: ASWAN (DISEMBARKATION)-CAIRO

Sightseeing today starts at the GRANITE QUARRIES that supplied ancient Egypt with its hard stones for the pyramids in Giza. Then, see the famous unfinished obelisk, still in the quarry. Next, visit the gigantic Aswan HIGH DAM, completed in 1970. Board a motorlaunch to the island of AGILIKA, situated between the two dams, and visit the TEMPLE OF ISIS, transplanted from the submerged island of Philae. Later today, fly back to Cairo. How about our optional Nile River dinner cruise tonight to celebrate your Egyptian adventure? (B)

Day 8: CAIRO

On your last day in Egypt, drive to the now-famous Tahrir Square and visit the EGYPTIAN MUSEUM with Tutankhamun’s fabulous treasures and many other masterpieces of ancient Egypt. Continue to walled Old Cairo, with Saladin’s 12th-century citadel, and the ALABASTER MOSQUE OF MOHAMMED ALI. In Coptic Cairo, see the Hanging Church where the Virgin Mary and Jesus stayed while in Egypt, then walk to see Cairo’s oldest synagogue, founded in the 9th century. There is still time for a visit to the labyrinthine Khan el Khalili SOUK before returning to your hotel. (B)

Day 9: CAIRO.

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

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Dates and Rates

*The departure date above is based on starting your vacation on day 1 of the itinerary.

11 days COTE D’AZUR to Paris

1 night in Nice, 7-night cruise from Port St Louis to Chalon-sur-Saone & 2 nights in Paris

All inclusive prices starting at: $3358

Opportunities abound on this grand vacation to learn about France and to taste its sumptuous wines and cuisine. Your adventure begins when you embark your ship in Arles in the Provence region. Sailing northward up the scenic Rhône and Saône River, explore Avignon, charming Viviers, medieval Tournon, Vienne, France’s gastronomical capital of Lyon, as well as Mâcon, Tournus and Chalon-sur- Saône.

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Meals

Breakfast – 10

Lunch – 5

Dinner – 7

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Itinerary

Day 1: ARRIVE IN COTE D’AZUR, FRANCE

Welcome to France! Time at leisure to get acquainted with your new surroundings.

Day 2: COTE D’AZUR-PORT ST. LOUIS (EMBARKATION).

This morning, enjoy free time before transferring by motorcoach to Port St. Louis in the Provence region, where you’ll board your river cruise vessel. Before dinner, meet your crew at a welcome reception and enjoy tranquil scenes as you gently sail through Camargue Regional National Park northward to Arles. (B,D)

Day 3: ARLES.

On the northern tip of the Camargue, Arles is the capital of the Provence and was once known as the “Little Rome of Gaul.” See the church of St. Trophime; “Les Alyscamps,” the remains of the Gallo- oman burial road; and visit the ROMAN AMPHITHEATER. Vincent Van Gogh was inspired by the special light of the Provence and spent a very productive year in Arles. The “Foundation Vincent Van Gogh” is a tribute to the artist. (B,L,D)

Day 4: AVIGNON

The fortified city of Avignon is the capital of the Vaucluse region, the most picturesque part of Provence. Also referred to as the “City of Popes,” it was the centre of the Catholic Church in the 14th century and the city landscape is dominated by the grandiose PALACE OF THE POPES. A photo of the bridge of the popular song is a must, and optional outings to Pont du Gard or to the famed wine cellars of Chateauneuf-du-Pape are available this afternoon. (B,L,D)

Day 5: CRUISING-VIVIERS

A leisurely morning on board to relax and enjoy the passing scenery as you glide gently by. The charming town of Viviers was developed around its ROMANESQUE CATHEDRAL, and the OLD TOWN has an appealing mix of Christian, Roman, and medieval influences. (B,L,D)

Day 6: TOURNON/TAIN L’HERMITAGE-VIENNE

The twin cities of Tournon and Tain l’Hermitage lie nestled among vineyards between the Rhone River and the granite slopes of the Hermitage. Tournon, with its imposing 16th-century castle and Roman ruins, is one of France’s oldest medieval cities. This afternoon, enjoy Vienne, another charming little town surrounded by steep hills. (B,L,D)

Day 7: LYON

Lyon is France’s second-largest city and its gastronomic capital. Founded by the Romans in 43 BC, the city’s prosperity dates back to the 16th century and is due to commercial, industrial, and banking activities. Roman remains, many excellent museums, and much renaissance architecture delight the visitor. Survey the city from Fourviere Hill and explore the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its maze of medieval alleyways, Place des Terreaux, and the beautiful Place Bellecour. Beaujolais is the wine of the region and wine connoisseurs will know that the grapes must be hand picked. Tradition dictates that the “Beaujolais Nouveau” is tasted for the first time on the third Thursday of November each year. (B,L,D)

Day 8: MACON-TOURNUS-CHALON-SUR-SAONE

Wake up this morning in Macon on the Saone River, a city that plays an important role in the wine trade. There’s free time for exploring after breakfast, then enjoy a short cruise to Tournus. Here, the cloister of St. Philibert or the Burgundy Museum’s folklore collection, located in an old family mansion, are worth a visit. A choice of optional excursions, including a visit to a wine cellar, is available. Before dinner, arrive in Chalon-sur-Saone. (B,L,D)

Day 9: CHALON-SUR-SAONE (DISEMBARKATION)-BEAUNE-PARIS

After breakfast, head for Beaune, the unofficial capital of the Cote d’Or area which produces the Burgundy region’s finest vintages. Its most famous historical site, the Hotel-Dieu charity hospital, houses Van der Weyden’s painting of the Last Judgement and is one of France’s architectural highlights. After lunch, continue north past the forest of Fontainebleau to Paris, the “City of Light.” (B)

Day 10: PARIS

Paris’ famous sights are living history: your included city you magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral, the unique Louvre Museum with its glass pyramid as a contrast to its ancient architecture, the commemorative Arc de Triomphe, Opera, Madeleine, Champs Elysees, and the Eiffel Tower, a structural miracle of its age. The city is well known for its colourful nightlife that includes some of the world’s most famous cabaret shows. (B)

Day 11: PARIS

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

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Dates and Prices

*The departure date above is based on starting your vacation on day 1 of the itinerary.

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UPGRADING CABINS

To upgrade to a higher cabin category (all staterooms Twin/Double), add per person:

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INCLUDED CHARGES

8 days Paris to Paris

2 nights in Paris, 7 night cruise from Paris to Paris

All inclusive prices starting at: $2230

Combine time in France’s splendid capital with discoveries of quaint villages along the Seine and in the picturesque Normandy region, and the poignant WWII landing beaches. Experience Vincent van Gogh’s Auvers-sur-Oise, Claude Monet’s stunning gardens in Giverny, and Joan of Arc’s historic Rouen. Taste the apple cider, Calvados and camembert for which Northern France is famous.

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Meals

Breakfast – 7

Lunch – 6

Dinner – 6

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Itinerary

Day 1: ARRIVE IN PARIS, FRANCE (EMBARKATION)

Welcome to Paris, France’s capital on the River Seine, the “City of Light,” where romance fills the air. This afternoon, board your river cruise vessel and meet your crew at a welcome reception. (D)

Day 2: PARIS

Paris’ famous sights are living history. Included city sightseeing shows you magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral, the unique Louvre Museum with its glass pyramid as a contrast to its ancient architecture, the commemorative Arc de Triomphe, Opera, Madeleine, Champs Elysees, and the Eiffel Tower, a structural miracle of its age. The city is well known for its colourful nightlife, including some of the world’s most famous cabaret shows. (B,L,D)

Day 3: PARIS-CONFLANS

After breakfast, enjoy a relaxing morning on the Sky Deck as your ship slips its moorings and glides gently down the River Seine, passing through suburban Paris. This afternoon, dock at Conflans-and now the choice is yours: either join our guided excursion to AUVERS SUR-OISE, the quaint little town where Vincent Van Gogh lived and died, or Napoleon and Josephine’s CHATEAU de MALMAISON just outside Paris. Requiring extensive renovations, this large country estate was purchased by Josephine Bonaparte in 1799 while Napoleon was fighting in Egypt. It was her aim to make it “the most beautiful and curious garden in Europe, a model of good cultivation.” (B,L,D)

Day 4: VERNON

This morning, choose between a guided visit of Claude Monet’s house and stunning gardens at GIVERNY or a visit of BIZY CASTLE with its magnificent courtyard. There’s still time to stroll through this delightful city on your own before your ship departs for Rouen. Relax on board this afternoon or take your pick of a number of optional excursions on offer. (B,L,D)

Day 5: ROUEN

Rouen is the capital of Upper Normandy and an important commercial city, perhaps best known for its connection to Joan of Arc, who lived, was imprisoned, and burned at the stake in the marketplace of this town in 1431. Enjoy the guided walk through the medieval quarter with its half-timbered, glazed-tile houses, and the Gros Horloge, an intricate Astronomical Clock dating back to the 16th century. The splendid gothic CATHEDRAL was once the tallest building in the world and the subject of a series of Claude Monet’s paintings. The afternoon is free for you to explore on your own, or you can join an optional excursion to the pretty coastal town of Honfleur or to the busy port city of Le Havre with its contemporary architecture. (B,L,D)

Day 6: ROUEN

Make your choice today of an included excursion to the historic NORMANDY LANDING BEACHES – with poignant sites such as Omaha Beach, the Pointe du Hoc monument, and the American Cemetery – or a “TASTE OF NORMANDY” for a more in-depth look at this picturesque, mainly agricultural region. The most important products are dairy, apples, and grain. Camembert cheese is a specialty, as is Calvados, a strong apple brandy. Thoroughbred horses are also reared here. (B,L,D)

Day 7: LES ANDELYS

The most dramatic sight along the Seine is imposing Chateau Gaillard at Les Andelys. Built by England’s King Richard the Lionheart in 1196, the chateau is truly a masterpiece of medieval military architecture. Explore on your own and enjoy this last day in France in this delightful small town. (B,L,D)

Day 8: PARIS (DISEMBARKATION)

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Departure flights should not leave before 8 am. (B)

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Dates and Prices

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UPGRADING CABINS

To upgrade to a higher cabin category (all staterooms Twin/Double), add per person:

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INCLUDED CHARGES

UPPER CLASS SUITE: TAKE A SEAT OR A BED

The Upper Class Suite allows you to work, relax, share a drink with a friend or sleep in complete comfort. There’s space for storing a laptop – (power access is provided), a generous table for working or eating and plenty of room to put your feet up! Every suite is fitted with a multi-directional 10.4″ TV screen with a huge choice of films, TV programmes and games.

STRETCH OUT FOR A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP

Upper Class Suite by Night

Perfect for stretching out or curling up and getting your beauty sleep. At 6’6″ long/202cm, (or 6’8″/208cm on the upper deck), the Upper Class Suite has one of the longest fully flat beds when compared with other airlines’ business class. Across the shoulder, the bed is a generous 33″ (84cm) wide.

A WIDER SEAT

The Upper Class Suite has a 22″ (56cm) wide seat. It also has full lumbar support and comes with its own ottoman, which doubles as a seat for a guest. So business can be done with a colleague or a drink can be shared with a friend.

CONVERTIBLE AT THE TOUCH OF A BUTTON

Upper Class Suite seat converts to a bed

The seat flips over to become a fully flat bed at the touch of a button. This allows for the two sides to serve completely separate functions – a fully contoured seat on one side covered in soft leather, while on the reverse the bed is built of firm, highly supportive foams covered in a breathable fabric for maximum sleeping comfort.

AISLE ACCESS FOR EVERYONE

Aisle access from each suite

With a maximum of four Upper Class Suites across the width of the cabin, every Upper Class Suite gives you your own personal space with direct access to the aisle – even the window seats. And all of the seats face forward.

Return Business Class to London from $6990 + taxes of approx. $950
Valid for travel from 16th January 2012 – 31st March 2012
Sales End 23rd January 2012

Return Business Class to Hong Kong from $3780 + taxes of approx. $500
Valid for travel from 16th January 2012 – 22nd June 2012
Sales End 23rd January 2012

Terms and Conditions:-

• Prices & taxes are subject to change without notice.
• Limited availability on special airfares.
• Advertised price is per person, based on return airfares.
• Taxes are given as guided only as it may varies depending on your departure city, destination cities and number of stops.
• Additional levies and other applicable fees may apply. Additional taxes specific to your flight routing may apply.

Ushuaia, Argentina to Ushuaia, Argentina

Date: Nov 16 2012

Ship: Silver Explorer

Duration: 17 days

Voyage Code: 7225

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Itinerary

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Fares

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Ushuaia, Argentina to Ushuaia, Argentina

Date: Dec 03 2012

Ship: Silver Explorer

Duration: 10 days

Voyage Code: 7226

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Itinerary

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Ushuaia, Argentina to Ushuaia, Argentina

Date: Dec 13 2012

Ship: Silver Explorer

Duration: 10 days

Voyage Code: 7227

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Itinerary

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Fares

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Ushuaia, Argentina to Ushuaia, Argentina

Date: Dec 23 2012

Ship: Silver Explorer

Duration: 12 days

Voyage Code: 7228

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Itinerary

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Fares

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Expedition Highlights:

* Celebrate the season amid Antarctic splendour

* Marvel at spectacular iceberg sculptures and calving glaciers

* Set foot on the continent of Antarctica

* Encounter Magellanic, rockhopper, gentoo, king, chinstrap and Adelie penguins

* Spot seals – elephant, Antarctic fur, Weddell, leopard and crabeater

* Watch for seals, dolphins, and whales

* Identify seabirds – snowy sheathbill, Antarctic cormorant, kelp gull, Antarctic tern, cape petrels, wandering albatrosses, southern fulmars, blue eyed shags, southern giant petrels, skuas, black-browed albatrosses, Wilson’s storm-petrels, sooty shearwaters

* Visit scientific research stations and historic whaling sites

Ushuaia, Argentina to Ushuaia, Argentina

Date: Jan 30 2012

Ship: Silver Explorer

Duration: 10 days

Voyage Code: 7203

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Itinerary

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Ushuaia, Argentina to Ushuaia, Argentina

Date: Feb 09 2012

Ship: Silver Explorer

Duration: 10 days

Voyage Code: 7204

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Itinerary

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Fares

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Ushuaia, Argentina to Ushuaia, Argentina

Date: Feb 19 2012

Ship: Silver Explorer

Duration: 10 days

Voyage Code: 7205

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Itinerary

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Fares

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Expedition Highlights:

* Marvel at spectacular iceberg sculptures and calving glaciers

* Set foot on the continent of Antarctica

* Encounter gentoo, chinstrap and Adelie penguins

* Spot seals – elephant, Antarctic fur, Weddell, leopard and crabeater

* Watch for whales – humpback, Minke, orca, pilot, and beaked

* Identify seabirds – snowy sheathbill, Antarctic cormorant, kelp gull, Antarctic tern, cape petrels, wandering albatrosses, southern fulmars, blue eyed shags, southern giant petrels, skuas, black-browed albatrosses, Wilson’s storm-petrels, sooty shearwaters

* Visit scientific research stations and historic whaling sites

Ushuaia, Argentina to Ushuaia, Argentina

Date: Jan 03 2012

Ship: Silver Explorer

Duration: 10 days

Voyage Code: 7201

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Itinerary

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Fares

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Ushuaia, Argentina to Ushuaia, Argentina

Date: Jan 13 2012

Ship: Silver Explorer

Duration: 17 days

Voyage Code: 7202

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Itinerary

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Fares

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Expedition Highlights:

* Marvel at spectacular iceberg sculptures and calving glaciers

* Set foot on the continent of Antarctica

* Encounter gentoo, chinstrap and Adelie penguins

* Spot seals – elephant, Antarctic fur, Weddell, leopard and crabeater

* Watch for whales – humpback, Minke, orca, pilot, and beaked

* Identify seabirds – snowy sheathbill, Antarctic cormorant, kelp gull, Antarctic tern, cape petrels, wandering albatrosses, southern fulmars, blue eyed shags, southern giant petrels, skuas, black-browed albatrosses, Wilson’s storm-petrels, sooty shearwaters

* Visit scientific research stations and historic whaling sites

Turkey, Land of Contrasts

2012 Prices From $4,595 plus on-tour air for 12 Days – Tauck World Discovery

Turkey is truly a land of contrasts, from the blending of east and west as Europe meets Asia in sophisticated Istanbul to people living in homes they’ve dug into the side of a bluff in the Göreme Valley, as you’ll learn on this latest of Tauck’s Turkey tours. Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace tell stories from antiquity in Istanbul, magnificent Ephesus brings the Greeks and Romans into focus and the fanciful rock formations called the fairy chimneys have tales to tell about both ancient days and today. Glimpse modern daily life in the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar, and imagine it when surrounded by ruins of shops dating back to the Romans and beyond in Perge and Sardis. Gain insights into the mysticism of the Whirling Dervishes and learn to make Turkish Delights. Mingle with schoolchildren who want to practice their English and explore an underground refuge of the early Christians in a single day! Float over eerie landscapes in a hot air balloon and visit the private home of a successful businessman. Discover the contrasts for yourself on these intriguing Turkey tours.

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Itinerary

Day 1 Welcome to Istanbul

Meals D

Tauck’s new Turkey tours begin at 6:30 PM at the Ceylan InterContinental Istanbul. A transfer from Istanbul’s Atatürk Airport to the Ceylan InterContinental Istanbul is included. Please join us for a welcome reception and dinner this evening.

Lodging

Ceylan InterContinental Istanbul

Day 2 Hagia Sofia & the Blue Mosque

Meals B, L

Begin your discovery of Istanbul with a walk through the Hippodrome and into history. Famous for its massive dome, considered by many to be the epitome of Byzantine architecture and said to have changed the history of architecture, Hagia Sophia was once the largest cathedral in the world for over 1,000 years, subsequently served as the primary mosque of Constantinople for over 500 years and is now a museum. Sightseeing continues in the Basilica Cistern, 52 steps underground, where any preconceived notions you might have of what a cistern looks like will float away forever; you may recognize it from a scene in From Russia With Love, which was filmed here. Located in front of Hagia Sofia, the Blue Mosque, built in 1609 to out-do its neighbor, is regarded as a prime example of Turkish Islamic architecture; its six slender minarets and cascading domes dominate the city skyline. Remove your shoes before entering to look up and discover the tens-of-thousands of blue tiles from which it gets its name.

Lodging

Ceylan InterContinental Istanbul

Day 3 The many faces of Istanbul

Meals B, D

Step back into the lives of the Ottoman sultans who occupied it for 400 years when you visit Topkapi Palace this morning. Try to imagine what it was like to live here as you explore the Council Chamber, the Imperial Kitchens and the Harem. Then, enter another world in the Grand Bazaar, the largest covered market in the world, a maze of lanes and alleys in which shoppers can find virtually anything they might be looking for at the over 4,000 shops. Most Turkey tours include the architectural wonders and famous sights that you’ve seen, but Tauck provides experiences other travelers don’t have. Board a boat and cruise across the Bosphorus to the private home of an artist and businessman for a tour and insights on life in Istanbul today. Dine at restaurant on the Bosphorus known for its seafood this evening.

Lodging

Ceylan InterContinental Istanbul

Day 4 Off to Izmir & Sardis

Meals B, L, D

After a morning flight to Izmir, visit Sardis, once one of the most important cities in the Persian Empire, home to many ruins from different time periods. Discover what were shops and the mammoth gymnasium dating from the second century AD as you explore the city. Alexander the Great liberated the city from the Persians; visit the Temple of Artemis, once the fourth-largest Ionic temple in the world, built by the Greeks in honor of the goddess of the hunt. Ancient Sardis also had a large and prosperous Jewish community, which built the largest ancient synagogue outside of ancient Palestine that you’ll explore today. It was also in Sardis that coins were used for the first time. Dine at your leisure at your hotel this evening.

Lodging

Swissotel Grand Efes, Izmir

Day 5 Ancient Ephesus

Meals B, L

Having seen the Harem in Istanbul, where the women of the sultans’ households lived, gain insights about the role of women in contemporary Turkey this morning before heading off to Ephesus, an ancient bastion of women’s rights and the site of the largest temple built to honor Artemis.  Once an important trade center as well as a religious center of early Christianity, the ruins at Ephesus are among the best preserved in the region. As you walk the 2,000-year-old marble and cobblestone streets, it isn’t hard to imagine what the city was like when tradition says that Paul was preaching to the Ephesians, perhaps in the Great Theater that could seat 24,000; dating from the 1st century AD, it is still used today for public theatre and musical performances. Explore the two-story Library of Celsus, the Scholastic Baths, the Arcadian Way and more. This splendid city is a highlight of Tauck’s Turkey tours.

Lodging

Swissotel Grand Efes, Izmir

Day 6 Antalya & the Ruins of Perge

Meals B, L, D

Arrive in the “resort capital” of the Turkish Mediterranean coast, Antalya, after a short flight from Istanbul. Following lunch, set off for the ruins of the Roman city of Perge. Pass through the unusual Hellenistic-Roman towers to an impressive colonnaded street line once lined with shops and statues that you’ll see tomorrow at the Antalya Museum. Your home for the next two nights, Kempinski Hotel The Dome, is set between the mountains and the Mediterranean Sea. Dine at your leisure at the hotel this evening.

Lodging

Kempinski Hotel The Dome

Day 7 Archaeology in Antalya

Meals B, D

History and culture through the ages unfold at the Antalya Archeological Museum, one of the largest museums in Turkey with 13 exhibition halls showcasing art and artifacts of the area large and small from the Stone Age onward. Perhaps most impressive are the larger-than-life statues of 16 gods and goddesses as well as emperors and empresses found in Perge and Aspendos in the “Hall of the Gods.” After lunch on your own, explore the narrow streets of Antalya’s historic Old Town. This evening, attend a cooking demonstration featuring Turkish coffee as well as Turkish delight, a sweet treat on Turkey tours. When you’ve finished your coffee, look at the dregs left in the cup, which are said to foretell the future if you know how to read them.

Lodging

Kempinski Hotel The Dome

Day 8 Konya, Rumi’s Tomb & Catahulyuk

Meals B, L, D

A scenic drive through the mountains leads to Konya, final resting place of the Sufi poet Jelaleddin Rumi, considered by some to be one of the great spiritual teachers and thinkers the world has known, who founded the Whirling Dervishes over 800 years ago. While visiting the Mevlana complex, view his mausoleum, learn about the man and the mystical religious order he founded and see the oldest surviving copies of his work, dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries. Later, discover Catal Huyuk, built about 6.500 BC and thought to be one of the world’s first towns. A guided tour reveals the ongoing archaeological work being done and what has been learned about the people who abandoned the hunter-gatherer lifestyle and formed a pueblo-style community here so long ago from the artifacts that have been found.

Lodging

Dedeman Konya Hotel

Day 9 Cappadocia & the Underground City

Meals B, L, D

Along the Silk Road, caravanserais traditionally provided stopping places for travelers in need of rest and refreshment and were spaced to accommodate a one-day camel trek. We’ll make a rest stop at one this morning, just as people have been doing for centuries. A visit with children at a local elementary school provides the opportunity to help them practice their English and for you to learn a bit about daily life here. After lunch at a local restaurant in Cappadocia, you’ll be invited into the modern home that a family has burrowed into the side of a bluff, just as their ancestors did, before walking along the bluff itself to view the famous “fairy chimneys” for which Cappadocia is known. As early as the days of the Hittites, locals created underground cities to protect them from assorted conquerors who invaded the area. Explore Kaymakli, originally an eight-story underground city that provided safety and refuge for up to 5,000 people; four stories are open to the public. Your home for the next two nights features comfortable cave suites constructed within five different cave formations that are a part of Cappadocia’s historical structure, and each one is unique.

Lodging

Anatolian Houses

Day 10 From Fairy Chimneys to Whirling Dervishes

Meals B, D

Drifting over the fairy chimneys of the Göreme Valley in a hot air balloon is a memorable experience on this newest of Tauck’s Turkey tours. Be sure to have your camera handy as the rising sun bathes the mountain bluffs and unique rock formations below in light! Breakfast is served among the fairy chimneys before visiting the Göreme Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Resembling a huge monastic complex, the museum showcases eleven early Christian, rock-cut churches containing beautiful frescoes whose colors are still vibrant after countless centuries. The Whirling Dervishes belong to one branch of the Sufi tradition Islam whose followers are taught to love everything. By slowly whirling in a prescribed way, they undertake a spiritual journey seeking unity with the three components of human nature: the body, the heart and the mind. Witness this ancient ritual in a cave venue once part of an ancient monastery at a private dinner and performance.

Lodging

Anatolian Houses

Day 11 Meanwhile, back in Istanbul

Meals B, L, D

Arrive back in Istanbul by plane in time for lunch at the Hamdi Restaurant, called “Istanbul’s favorite Anatolian restaurant” by Travel + Leisure. Then the scents and sights of the Spice (or Egyptian) Bazaar beckon with an exotic bouquet of fragrances and a kaleidoscope of colors – and must-see-and-smell experience for foodies on Turkey tours. Join us for our farewell reception at the Pera Palace Hotel, once the terminus of the Orient Express and a coveted address for folks like Mata Hari and Agatha Christie.

Lodging

Pera Palace Hotel

Day 12 Homeward bound

Meals B

Tauck’s new Turkey tours end in Istanbul. A transfer from the Pera Palace Hotel to Atatürk International airport is included. Fly home anytime; please allow a minimum of 3 hours for flight check-in. We wish you a safe and pleasant journey home.

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2012 Prices From $4,595 plus on-tour air for 12 Days

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Tauck Value Includes

•  A boat cruise on the Bosphorus Strait, which runs through the heart of Istanbul

•  Visits to the private home of an artist/businessman in Istanbul who shares his inside views on life in Turkey, and a traditional caravanserai (roadhouse inn) on the ancient Silk Road

•  A hot air balloon flight over the “fairy chimneys” of Göreme, with breakfast afterward among the famous rock formations

•  A performance by a company of Whirling Dervishes in the rock cave of an ancient monastery

•  Private lecture on the status of women in contemporary Turkish society

•  Visit to a family who lives in a modern “cave home” carved into a hillside in Capadoccia

•  A private cooking class teaching the art of making Turkish coffee

•  Airport transfers upon arrival and departure as noted

•  27 meals (11 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 9 dinners); gratuities to local guides, taxes, service charges, admission fees and porterage

Egypt: Jewels Along the Nile

2012 Prices From From $5,300 plus on-tour air for 12 Days – Tauck World Discovery

Tauck’s expert Egyptologists invite you to join them on an Egypt tour to explore a fascinating civilization where architectural feats and antiquities still amaze thousands of years after their creation – an intriguing land of pyramids, temples, mummies, and hieroglyphs! Ride a camel and enjoy a sound & light show at the Pyramids and Sphinx at Giza… take a sunset cocktail cruise aboard a traditional felucca… stay at Egypt’s best hotels, including Pyramid-view rooms at the Mena House Oberoi in Cairo… visit the temple complexes of Karnak and Luxor, the Valleys of the Kings and Queens, the Egyptian Museum and more, with your Egyptologist and Tauck Director leading the way! The finest Egypt tours include a Nile River cruise, and Tauck guests spend four nights aboard Nile Adventurer, sailing to Esna, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan. Plus you’ll discover the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa and a National Museum exhibit at the new Bibliotecha Alexandrina on an overnight in Alexandria, Egypt’s beacon of culture on the Mediterranean Sea.

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Itinerary

Day 1 Welcome to Cairo

Meals (No Meals Included)

Tauck’s Eygpt tour begins at the Mena House Operoi. A transfer is included from Cairo International Airport to your hotel, a sumptuous former royal hunting lodge. Your room looks out on to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Pyramids of Giza. Since most international flights arrive between 3:00 and 11:00 PM local time, you might want to consider traveling to Egypt a day early and arrange a pre-stay in Cairo to ease the effects of jet lag before the first day of sightseeing on your Egypt tour begins.

Lodging

Mena House Oberoi

Day 2 The Sphinx, the Great Pyramid, and a camel ride

Meals B, L, D

A visit to the Pyramids is on every world-traveler’s must-do list, and is an iconic image of your Egypt tour. After meeting Tauck’s local Egyptologist this morning, visit the Solar Boat Museum, whose main attraction is an ancient Egyptian cedarwood boat dating back 4,500 years. At Giza, see the Sphinx guarding the plateau, as it has for the same 4,500 years… and marvel at the Great Pyramid of Cheops (Khufu), a crowning architectural achievement and one of the most recognizable structures on Earth. Cap the day with a camel ride* at the Pyramids. Attend a welcome cocktail reception and dinner this evening.

Lodging

Mena House Oberoi

Day 3 Pyramids galore in Memphis, Sakkara and Dahshur

Meals B, L

Travel to the site of Memphis, first capital of ancient Egypt’s “Old Kingdom,” for a look at some of the country’s oldest antiquities; you’ll see the Alabaster Sphinx and an imposing statue of Ramesses II. Check out the progression of pyramid design over the centuries… first in Sakkara, where you’ll visit the Teti Pyramid and view the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the world’s first monumental structure built of stone. Then continue off-the-beaten-path to the less-often visited necropolis at Dahshur for a look at the Royal Tombs, numerous pyramids and temples there, including a Tauck Exclusive – entry into the private tomb of one of the early mastabas at the site. This evening’s elaborate sound and light show at the Pyramids and the Sphinx in Giza is a spectacular way to end an unforgettable day.

Lodging

Mena House Oberoi

Day 4 Luxor’s treasures and a felucca cruise on the Nile

Meals B, L, D

Take our charter flight to Luxor, site of ancient Thebes, where your Egypt tour continues with a guided visit to the Luxor Museum, displaying rich archeological finds from the temples and tombs of Upper Egypt. Later, enjoy a sunset cocktail cruise on the Nile aboard a traditional felucca, followed by dinner at your hotel – where your room overlooks Egypt’s timeless river!

Lodging

Steigenberger Nile Palace Luxor

Day 5 Valleys of the Kings & Queens, Luxor & your cruise

Meals B, L, D

On a major highlight of your Egypt tour, visit the Valley of the Kings, where at least 62 ornately decorated tombs for the pharaohs were hidden – and go inside some of them. Our Egyptologist accompanies your exploration of the Valley of the Queens, revealing 80 tombs of royal family members; see Medinet Habu. Board the Nile Adventurer in Luxor for the start of your 4-night cruise along the Nile. After settling into your cabin, go ashore and ride a horse-drawn carriage through the temple complex of Luxor – noted for its avenue of sphinxes, grand colonnades, and colossal statues of Ramesses II, and spectacularly illuminated in the evening.  Back aboard the ship tonight, join us for a welcome cocktail reception followed by dinner; later, belly dancers entertain.

Lodging

Aboard Nile Adventurer

Day 6 The Temple of Karnak & celebrating Egyptian culture

Meals B, L, D

You may choose to begin the day soaring over the Valleys of the Kings and Queens on an optional hot air balloon ride (available for an additional $175 per person). The largest complex of its kind on Earth, the vast Temple of Karnak in Luxor — covering some 200 acres — boggles the mind as you explore its massive walls, statuary and inscription-covered columns with your Egyptologist. Spend the rest of the day cruising the Nile, glimpsing life along the ancient river’s banks; enjoy a cooking demonstration and afternoon tea as you sail to Esna. Tonight, don local attire for an “Egyptian Night” evening of entertainment and dancing.

Lodging

Aboard Nile Adventurer

Day 7 Cruising to Edfu and discovering local life

Meals B, L, D

Continue your Egypt tour with visits to Esna’s Greco-Roman antiquities including the Temple of Khnum, constructed during the reign of Emperor Claudius; then cruise to Edfu to explore its remarkably well-preserved Temple of Horus, as well as a local bazaar. Nile Adventurer cruises to Kom Ombo this evening.

Lodging

Aboard Nile Adventurer

Day 8 Kom Ombo, Aswan and a shipboard farewell

Meals B, L, D

Discoveries abound on the last day of your unforgettable Nile cruise, as your Egypt tour takes you to see the unusual double temples of Kom Ombo, then on to Aswan for a motorboat ferry ride to the Philae Temple on Agilka Island; dedicated to Isis, it was moved to its present location to save it from the rising waters caused by the building of the Aswan Dam. Tonight, the Captain and crew of Nile Adventurer bid you farewell with cocktails in the lounge and a gala dinner.

Lodging

Aboard Nile Adventurer

Day 9 Across the desert to Abu Simbel; on to Alexandria

Meals B, L, D

After disembarking Nile Adventurer in Aswan, set out across a corner of the Sahara Desert for Abu Simbel, in what was once the ancient kingdom of Nubia. Marvel at the Great Temple honoring Ramesses II – carved out of a cliff, with four 67-foot-high seated statues of the pharaoh at the entrance – and the adjacent Temple of Hathor, dedicated to his wife, Queen Nefertari. Fly to Alexandria by private charter for an overnight in Egypt’s bastion of culture on the Mediterranean, named for Alexander the Great; see Pompey’s Pillar and The Citadel on a brief city tour before exploring on your own. Enjoy dinner tonight in one of the restaurants in your hotel, where you’ll spend the night in a room overlooking the sea.

Lodging

Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria

Day 10 Alexandria’s catacombs & cultural treasures

Meals B, L, D

Now that you’ve explored Egypt’s wonders along the Nile, Tauck completes your Egypt experience with a day spent enjoying seaside Alexandria’s decidedly Mediterranean atmosphere. Once home to the greatest library and center of learning in the ancient world, Alexandria recently opened a spectacular new library for the 21st century – the Bibliotecha Alexandrina – where you’ll view an exhibit of treasures from the National Museum; also visit the fascinating Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa. Return to Cairo by train for a final two-night stay in Nile-view rooms.

Lodging

Kempinski Nile Hotel Garden City Cairo

Day 11 Cairo and the Egyptian Museum

Meals B, D

A lecture on modern Egypt – including insights on the sweeping political changes that occurred in 2011 – kicks off your day. Then you’ll join our Egyptologist on a special early-opening visit to the Egyptian Museum and its world-renowned collection of antiquities – many as much as 5,000 years old – for yet another memorable experience on Tauck’s Egypt tour. Behold treasures found in the tomb of the “Boy King,” Tutankhamun, including his golden funeral mask, solid gold coffin, carved throne, and jewelry. “Meet” ancient rulers, including the mighty Ramesses II, face-to-face in the Royal Mummy Room. Be sure to join us for a special farewell dinner tonight to share the amazing memories you’ve created with your fellow travelers as your extraordinary Egypt tour concludes.

Lodging

Kempinski Nile Hotel Garden City Cairo

Day 12 Bound for home

Meals B

Tour ends in Cairo. Fly home anytime; a transfer is included from the Kempinski Nile Hotel Garden City Cairo to Cairo International Airport; allow a minimum of 3 hours for flight check-in.

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2012 Prices From From $5,300 plus on-tour air for 12 Days

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Tauck Value Includes

* 4-night Nile River cruise aboard the Nile Adventurer, with shore excursions to Egypt’s must-see sites along the river

* Special early-opening guided visit to Cairo’s Egyptian Museum

* Sightseeing of Egypt’s antiquities led by renowned Egyptologists

* Sunset cocktail cruise aboard a traditional felucca on the River Nile

* Private horse-drawn carriage ride through Luxor as the sun sets

* Camel ride and sound & light show at the Pyramids

* Guided visits to the Pyramids & Sphinx, Egyptian Museum, Luxor Museum, Sakkara, Memphis and much more

* Exploration of UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the Valleys of the Kings & Queens, Temple of Karnak and more

* Visits to Bibliotecha Alexandrina and catacombs in Alexandria

* Two private charter flights save you travel time within Egypt

* Airport transfers upon arrival and departure as noted

* Most meals – 29 (11 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 9 dinners); gratuities to local guides, service charges, taxes and porterage

Egypt & Jordan: Timeless Treasures, Ancient Lands

2012 Prices From From $5,775 plus on-tour air for 13 Days – Tauck World Discovery

The mysteries of ancient Egypt and Jordan unfold before you on this 13-day journey of discovery to revered temples, tombs and monuments that tell a story of 5,000 years of civilization. From hotels with incredible views, to a 3-night River Nile cruise, to behind-the-scenes insights by local experts, Tauck’s Egypt and Jordan tour is unlike any other in these historic lands.

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Itinerary

Day 1 Welcome to Cairo

Meals (No Meals Included)

Your Egypt and Jordan tour begins at Mena House Oberoi. A transfer is included from Cairo International Airport to Mena House Oberoi, a sumptuous former royal hunting lodge in the shadow of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Great Pyramid of Giza. Since most international flights arrive between 3:00 and 11:00 PM local time, you might want to consider traveling to Egypt a day early and arrange a pre-stay in Cairo to ease the effects of jet lag before the first day of sightseeing on your Egypt and Jordan tour begins.

Lodging

Mena House Oberoi

Day 2 The Sphinx, Great Pyramid, and a camel ride

Meals B, L, D

Meet Tauck’s expert Egyptologist as you prepare for a day of awe-inspiring wonders at the Pyramids and more! At Giza, see the Sphinx guarding the plateau, as it has for 4,500 years. Marvel at the Great Pyramid of Cheops (Khufu), a crowning architectural achievement, and smile for the camera as you ride a camel* at the Pyramids. You’ll also visit the Solar Boat Museum – whose main attraction is an ancient Egyptian cedarwood boat that was buried and preserved under the shifting sands for more than 4,000 years – and attend a welcome reception and dinner this evening.

Lodging

Mena House Oberoi

Day 3 Special Egyptian Museum visit & Tut’s treasures

Meals B, L

A lecture on the sweeping changes in Egypt by a local expert kicks off your day, followed by a special early-opening visit with our Egyptologist to the Egyptian Museum to explore its world-renowned collection of antiquities, many 5,000 years old – yet another memorable experience on Tauck’s Egypt & Jordan tour! Behold treasures found in the tomb of the “Boy King,” Tutankhamun, including his golden funeral mask, solid gold coffin, carved throne, and jewelry. “Meet” other ancient rulers, including the mighty Ramesses II, face-to-face in the Royal Mummy Room. Later, a walking tour of Old Cairo with a local guide visits a local mosque and includes time to wander through a local bazaar. This evening’s elaborate sound and light show at the Pyramids and the Sphinx in Giza is a spectacular way to end this unforgettable day.

Lodging

Mena House Oberoi

Day 4 Early antiquities at Memphis, Sakkara and Dahshur

Meals B, L, D

Travel to the site of ancient Egypt’s first capital, Memphis, for a look at some of Egypt’s oldest antiquities; you’ll see the Alabaster Sphinx and an imposing statue of Ramesses II. See firsthand how Egyptian pyramid design developed through the ages on visits to several ancient sites this afternoon. In Sakkara, visit the Teti Pyramid, and view the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the world’s first monumental structure built of stone. Continue off-the-beaten path to the less-often visited necropolis at Dahshur for a look at the numerous pyramids, temples and royal tombs there.

Lodging

Mena House Oberoi

Day 5 Abu Simbel, Aswan and the start of Nile cruising

Meals B, L, D

Take a private charter flight to Abu Simbel, in what was once the ancient kingdom of Nubia. Marvel at the Great Temple honoring Ramesses II – carved out of a cliff, with four 67-foot-high seated statues of the pharaoh at the entrance – and the adjacent Temple of Hathor, dedicated to his wife, Queen Nefertari. Cross part of the famous Sahara Desert to Aswan to visit the Aswan High Dam, completed in 1971. Embark the Nile Adventurer to start your cruise, then take a boat to the Philae Temple on Agilka Island; dedicated to Isis, it was moved to its present location to save it from the rising waters caused by the building of the new dam. Meet the Nile Adventurer’s officers at the Captain’s welcome cocktail reception followed by dinner tonight aboard ship.

Lodging

Aboard Nile Adventurer

Day 6 Nile cruising, Kom Ombo and Edfu

Meals B, L, D

Glimpse river life along the Nile while cruising aboard Nile Adventurer, a highlight of Tauck’s Egypt and Jordan tour. Stop to visit the Temple of Kom Ombo, an unusual double temple, and have tea at a replica of an ancient Nubian village. Then it’s on to the Temple of the Falcon God Horus in Edfu, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt. Return to the ship to attend a cooking demonstration and private galley tour before donning Egyptian garb for a festive Egyptian Night dinner featuring local cuisine and after-dinner music and dancing.

Lodging

Aboard Nile Adventurer

Day 7 Temples of Karnak and Luxor, a carriage ride and more

Meals B, L, D

Your Egypt and Jordan tour continues in Luxor, site of ancient Thebes, starting with a visit to the vast Temple of Karnak with our Egyptologist; built over a span of 1,300 years, it is one of the world’s largest temple complexes. Then tour the Luxor Museum, displaying rich archaeological finds from the region’s temples and tombs. Ride a private horse-drawn carriage this evening to the spectacularly illuminated Temple of Luxor, noted for its avenue of sphinxes, grand colonnades, and colossal statues of Ramesses II.  Finally, the Captain and crew of Nile Adventurer bid you a fond farewell with cocktails, dinner and a folkloric show aboard ship tonight.

Lodging

Aboard Nile Adventurer

Day 8 Valleys of the Kings and Queens and a felucca ride

Meals B, L, D

If you wish, join us early this morning for an optional hot air balloon flight (available for an additional $175) over the dramatic Valleys of the Kings and Queens. Then disembark Nile Adventurer for a major highlight of your Egypt and Jordan tour – an overland visit to the Valley of the Kings, where at least 62 ornately decorated tombs of the pharaohs were hidden; step into another world as you enter King Tut’s tomb! Our Egyptologist accompanies your exploration of the Valley of the Queens, revealing 80 tombs of royal family members; see Medinet Habu. Later, enjoy wine, beer and snacks on a sunset cruise along the Nile aboard a traditional felucca, followed by dinner at your choice of restaurants at your Luxor hotel – where your room overlooks Egypt’s timeless river!

Lodging

Steigenberger Nile Palace Luxor

Day 9 On to Jordan and Wadi Rum

Meals B, L, D

Fly via private charter to Aqaba, Jordan, where you’ll have lunch at a restaurant on the Red Sea before setting off for the next adventure on your Jordan tour – an excursion by four-wheel-drive vehicle through the stunning, lunar-like desert landscapes of Wadi Rum. Then continue through the desert to a two-night stay overlooking the dramatic Petra Valley, home of the amazing archaeological site, with its great sandstone facades thousands of years old.

Lodging

Movenpick Resort Petra

Day 10 Amazing Petra, a city carved from stone

Meals B, L, D

A short walk from your hotel lies the entrance to one of the world’s greatest archaeological sites – the 2,000-year-old city of Petra, which the ancient Nabataeans carved out of colorful sandstone cliffs. Explore this incredible site’s tombs, temples and other structures by foot as well as by horse cart throughout most of the day. Later, enjoy dinner and traditional entertainment at Taybet Zaman, a restored 19th-century Bedouin village, now a resort.

Lodging

Movenpick Resort Petra

Day 11 In history’s footsteps along the King’s Highway

Meals B, L, D

Continue your Jordan tour amidst spectacular views of the Jordan Rift Valley as you wind your way along the 5,000-year-old King’s Highway, one of the oldest continuously used roads on Earth; visit sites where, thousands of years ago, biblical history was made. Stop at Mt. Nebo, where Moses looked out on the “Promised Land,” and visit a church dedicated to Moses that dates back to the 6th century. Continue on to Madaba, where you’ll enjoy a lunch of traditional Jordanian specialties, and check out a 6th-century mosaic map of Biblical sites at St. George’s Church. Your final destination today is your spa resort on the shores of the Dead Sea.

Lodging

Movenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea

Day 12 Relax by the Dead Sea or explore Roman Jerash

Meals B, L, D

Take time to enjoy the amenities of your spa resort on the Dead Sea today, or set off to visit the site of Jerash in Jordan. Here you’ll see some of the best-preserved remains of Roman architecture in the Middle East, in what was once the city of Gerasa. Explore its Roman temples, theatres, arches, walls and baths before returning to the resort for tonight’s farewell reception and dinner – a festive conclusion to your unforgettable Egypt and Jordan tour.

Lodging

Movenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea

Day 13 Bound for home

Meals B

Tour ends: Jordan. A transfer is included from the Mövenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea to the Queen Alia International Airport in Amman and takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Allow a minimum of 3 hours for flight check-in. Most international flights depart in the early morning hours – you may want to rest and extend your Jordan tour with an extra night’s stay at your Dead Sea spa resort.

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2012 Prices From From $5,775 plus on-tour air for 13 Days

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Tauck Value Includes

Optional Luxor Hot Air Balloon Ride – Add $175 per person (ask at booking)

* 3-night Nile River cruise aboard Nile Adventurer

* Sightseeing of Egypt’s antiquities led by renowned Egyptologists, with discoveries in Jordan guided by local experts & professional Tauck Directors

* Special early-opening guided visit to Cairo’s Egyptian Museum

* Tea at a replica of a Nubian village in Jordan

* Guided visits to the Pyramids of Giza, King Tut’s tomb, ancient Petra, Mount Nebo and more

* Traditional felucca cruise on the Nile River at sunset

* Private horse-drawn carriage ride to Temple of Luxor

* Camel ride and sound & light show at Giza

* Four-wheel-drive vehicle excursion to Wadi Rum

* Two private charter flights save you travel time

* Airport transfers upon arrival and departure as noted

* 33 meals (12 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 10 dinners), gratuities for local guides, service charges, taxes and porterage

A is for “Ah-some” Alaska. Spectacular Denali National Park, calving glaciers and abundant wildlife combine to create the ultimate Alaska experience.

7 days, Priced from A$2750

USA & Canada, Departs from & returns to Anchorage

Tour code AJAK

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Itinerary

Day 1 – ARRIVE ANCHORAGE

Welcome to Anchorage! Upon arrival at Anchorage International Airport, your airport transfer service takes you to your hotel. At 6 p.m., gather at the hotel with your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception and light buffet.

Hotel: Sheraton Anchorage Hotel & Spa (WR)

Day 2 – ANCHORAGE SIGHTSEEING

Get acquainted with downtown Anchorage, the “City of Lights and Flowers” and the largest state’s largest city, on this morning’s orientation tour. Visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center and learn about the rich heritage and traditions of Alaska’s first people during this private presentation. Then, drive around Lake Hood to visit the largest float plane base in the world. Meet an Alaska Bush Pilot, who shares fascinating stories about the joys and hazards of flying in rural Alaska. Spend the rest of the afternoon on your own, browsing Anchorage’s shops and native art galleries. Join your group for a Highlight Dinner at a popular downtown restaurant. (FB,HD)

Day 3 – ANCHORAGE – DENALI NATIONAL PARK

Ride the world-famous Alaska Railroad from Anchorage to Denali and view the spectacular scenery from your window seat and through the transparent roof-top vista domes of its shared cars. Travel to the heart of Alaska’s rugged interior to the six million acre Denali National Park and Preserve, home to majestic Mt. McKinley, North America’s highest mountain. The park is a sub-arctic ecosystem and an internationally designated biosphere preserve with moose, caribou, Dall sheep, grizzly bears and wolves. Tonight, get a taste of frontier Alaska at a rollicking Highlight Dinner theatre featuring old-time sourdough song-and-dance and hearty Alaska fare.

Hotel: Grande Denali Lodge (FB,HD)

Day 4 – DENALI NATIONAL PARK

Begin your day with an easy one-hour guided hike to learn about the tundra and wildlife in the park. The remainder of the day is open for optional activities including an exciting rafting trip down the Nenana River, helicopter flightseeing for a close-up look at Mt.McKinley or stop at the Denali Visitor Center and join the various park tours on your own. (FB)

Day 5 – DENALI – GIRDWOOD – MOUNT ALYESKA

Board a deluxe motorcoach for your journey south on the George Parks Highway. Stop in Big Lake along the way for an exclusive visit and lunch at the home of champion dog musher and four-time Iditarod winner Martin Buser. Martin welcomes you to his home to meet his dogs and share the challenges of competing in the 1,049 mile dogsled race. Continue on the Seward Highway along Turnagain Arm with its dramatic views. Arrive in the town of Girdwood, home of Alyeska Resort and ski area. Ride the aerial gondola for panoramic views of the mountains and sea at your leisure. In the evening, join your Tour Director and newfound friends for a celebration dinner.

Hotel: The Hotel Alyeska (FB,L,CD)

Day 6 – PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND CRUISE

Spend the day on the 26 Glacier Cruise through Prince William Sound and into the College Fjord. Not only will you get up close enough to hear the thundering calving of glaciers, but you’ll have the chance to spot sea otters, porpoises, sea lions, bald eagles, kittiwakes and whales among the prolific wildlife. (FB,L)

Day 7 – MOUNT ALYESKA – ANCHORAGE

Travel to Seward for an exclusive presentation at the Alaska SeaLife Center. Learn about the center’s research, observe its aquarium and wildlife rescue center. Have lunch and explore downtown on your own. Return to Anchorage for a departure transfer to the airport or to the tour hotel if you are extending your stay. (FB)

Please do not schedule any flights before 6 p.m.

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Tour Dates & Total Prices USA & Canada 2012

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Early Payment Discount – Book Early and Save

* Pay in full 12 months prior to your tour departure date and SAVE UP TO 10%

* Pay in full 10 months prior to your tour departure date and SAVE UP TO 7.5%

* Pay in full 6 months prior to your tour departure date and SAVE UP TO 5%

Extra Tour Discounts – Save on your 2nd Tour

Book two Insight holidays, and receive a reduction of 5% off the cheaper of the two. Book three and save on two! Ask your Travel Agent for suggestions!

Small Group Discounts – for 5-8 Passengers

Perhaps it’s a social club, sports group or just friends or family! 5-8 guests booking together will receive a 5% discount. For 9 or more guests, further savings are available!