Cruising the Nile in style
Bales Worldwide is introducing a raft of new options for its Egypt, Morocco and Arabia programme for 2009/10, including the addition of the Musk, the operator’s fourth dahabiyya on the Nile, new boutique hotels in Tripoli and Cairo, and an increased focus on walking holidays in Jordan. The programme includes 18 escorted holidays and countless independent travel choices to Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Libya, Iran and Uzbekistan, with prices starting £995 for the 11 day ‘Wonders of Ancient Egypt’ itinerary.
THE NILE IN STYLE – A HOST OF CRUISING OPTIONS
Bales Worldwide offers now offers the widest range of luxury Nile cruise options, with a total of 12 different cruise boats featured from the traditional dahabiyya experiences, to the Movenpick Royal Lily Nile cruise ship. Due to a change in flight scheduling, Bales can now also offer a shorter 8 day holiday option featuring the Nile Cruise only.
Bales continues to be one of the few UK tour operators to offer the dahabiyya Nile cruise experience. The company is adding a fourth vessel for 2009/10, as the Musk joins the Nesma, the Zahra and the Amber. The dahabiyyas (19th century style wooden crafted river sailing vessels) revive the elegant days when aristocrats and sophisticated travellers cruised the Nile. All vessels are fitted out in colonial style with oriental and Egyptian touches and each of the six cabins has its own individual decoration.
The dahabiyyas are now available on a choice of two itineraries – the original 12 day ‘Nostalgic Nile’ holiday (from £1,595 per person), and a shorter 8 day cruise only holiday (from £1,345 per person). The former includes three days in Cairo staying at the Mena House Oberoi Hotel, before embarking at Luxor or Aswan for a leisurely seven day cruise. The vessel stops at private moorings, away from the larger towns, as well as calling in at little visited Nile islands.
Other outstanding cruise options on offer include a 4 night cruise on the Oberoi Philae, which is perfect for those with limited time, a new cruise aboard the luxurious Movenpick Royal Lily and an itinerary that includes time aboard the luxurious Sonesta St. George I cruise ship.
The new 8 day ‘Egyptian Encounters’ (from £1,325 per person) itinerary combines a cruise on the Sonesta St. George I cruise ship with the opulent comforts of the Four Seasons Hotel Cairo. The Sonesta is one of the Nile’s newest boats and this exquisite vessel offers just 49 cabins and 10 suites, as well as the finest in interiors and amenities. The holiday starts with 3 nights in Cairo before you head off for 4 nights cruising along the river.
VILLA BELLE EPOQUE OPENS IN CAIRO
Bales is among the first UK operators to offer the Villa Belle Epoque as part of its tailor made options. Set to be Cairo’s first truly boutique hotel, the Villa Belle Epoque is due to open in early 2009. This 1920’s house is located in the Maadi suburb, set among a garden of date palms and fruit trees, and has been tastefully converted into a 13 bedroom hotel. Relax by the inviting swimming pool, sip a cool drink on your private balcony and soak up the ambience. This is the perfect place to stay for a few days before heading off for a dahabiyya cruise along the Nile.
TREKKING IN JORDAN
Jordan is an incredibly diverse country and Bales is now offering 5 different itineraries that explore its unrivalled splendour – including a number of trekking options. The 8 day ‘Active Jordan’ trip (from £1,795 per person) includes two treks, as well as several guided walking tours. Explore the vibrant capital of Amman on foot, take in Dana Nature reserve on a 15km hike through some of the most beautiful and spectacular scenery in Jordan, and follow a 10km ancient trail traversing the rocky ledges of the Sharah Mountains, to the site of Petra’s spectacular monastery.
Bales’ tailor made options in the country, include the chance to experience truly unique accommodation in the beautiful lunar landscape of the Wadi Rum region - in the form of Desert Camp Wadi Rum. This private camp affords a nomadic experience camping in dome style tents (or out under the stars if you would prefer), with a communal Bedouin tent for dining and entertainment, and delicious, traditional food cooked over hot coals. This really is Jordan with a difference and prices start from £195 per night based on 2 passengers travelling.
BOUTIQUE LIBYA
Bales’ 8 day ‘Images of Libya’ itinerary (from £1,495 per person) now includes time at the brand new El-Khan hotel in Tripoli. The hotel, which is due to open at the end of 2008, aims to be Tripoli’s first boutique hotel. Bales Worldwide is one of very few UK operators who will be offering this stylish, characterful retreat.
The Images of Libya holiday kicks off with a night at the El-Khan and the opportunity to enjoy an evening meal with a local family in Tripoli, before you head off to explore the endless vistas of the Sahara and the spectacular ruins of the ancient ‘Pentapolis’ cities. Day 6 sees you return to El-Khan for 2 nights, with sightseeing at the National Museum, time to explore the old souk and a day at the utterly breathtaking, UNESCO Heritage site of Leptis Magna.
For more information, go to Balesworldwide.com.
