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非洲： 人类摇篮

When people think of Africa, they think of the big five safari sightings (lion, leopard, elephant, water buffalo, and rhino) or the big five tragedies of the continent (war, genocide, famine, political corruption, and the HIV/AIDS epidemic). But Africa encompasses much more than wildlife and warfare.

Africa is huge. It’s four times the size of the United States. It’s roughly 5,000 miles long and 4,600 miles wide. Africa makes up 20% of the earth’s landmass.

“There’s a whole continent beyond the cliché that appeals to luxury travelers and intrepid adventurers alike,” says Andy Alpine, co-founder of Specialty Travel Index (SpecialtyTravel.com). “The photo safari is still a big draw, of course–where else in the world can you experience the sight of a lion stalking its prey or the magnificent wildebeest migration across Serengeti’s endless plains? You could track wildlife in every country in Africa and still not get tired of it. But there is a rich cache of African experiences that many people don’t discover until their second trip to Africa–and some may overlook it altogether.”

Specialty Travel Index puts hundreds of African vacations from some of Africa’s best outfitters in one easy to navigate web site. Travel agents and travelers can narrow down their choices by country and by type of trip with a couple clicks.

Here’s a look at just a few of the dream-of-a-lifetime African travel experiences from different outfitters that can be found at www.specialtytravel.com and the magazine/directory Specialty Travel Index:

Ghana arts & Culture

Ghana is a kaleidoscope of arts. Palace Travel’s seven day art and culture tour of Ghana gives collectors and culture buffs a unique and up-close cultural experience. Travelers visit a local casket making shop to see a collection of caskets carved in the shapes of various objects depicting traditional beliefs in life after death (the “Fantasy Coffins” of Teshie Nungua have been featured in National Geographic and galleries worldwide).

They take drumming and dancing lessons on Kokrobrite Beach and learn to make fufu, ground nut soup, red red, and palava sauce in a Ghanian cooking workshop. Then its’ on to the Ashanti craft villages–Pankrono, where potters create colorful hand-built vessels; Ahwiaa, known for royal stools, walking sticks and fertility dolls; Ntonso where artisans hand-stamp patterns on cotton cloth to make adinkra textiles worn for funerals and other solemn occasions; and Bonwire where the famous Kente cloth is handmade on looms, in a time-honored tradition passed down through generations. If your suitcase isn’t stuffed with art by then, it will be after the Kumasi Central Market (also known as Kejetia Market), the largest open-air market in West Africa, where more than 10,000 vendors sell just about everything you could need or want - food, fabric, clothing, furniture, beauty products, and handmade crafts.

PALACE TRAVEL

Diving the Red Sea

The Red Sea, where the desert meets the ocean, is one of the planet’s most fascinating natural sea environments. There are about 200 of coral types and over a thousand species of fish, more species than anybody of water its size. Many divers consider the Red Sea is the best diving in the world world. Lotus International’s Deep Down in the Red Sea diving tour starts in Cairo and gives divers the chance to explore the Abou Dabab Reefs, Elephinstone Reef, Dolphin Reefs (3 dives with the dolphins), St. Johns, Marsa Alam, and West Abu Dabab. LOTUS INTERNATIONAL TOURS

Photographer’s Safaris

There can’t be an amateur or professional photographer alive that hasn’t fantasized about the capturing a shot of lions cubs playing in the grass, a leopard in a tree, or a line of elephants. A professional photographer leads small (10 or fewer) photo-hungry groups on daily game hunts–at a photographers pace–in open vehicles and bushwalks through private game reserves and Kruger National Park. Photographers will spot game from above on an ultra light flight and take a boat through the world’s third largest canyon for hippo and croc shots. In the evening, guests compare shots in the tree house style lodge. AFRICA WILD SAFARIS

Explore the Kalahari

Few parts of Africa can match the mystique of Botswana’s Kalahari Desert. Its unique and striking environment, and its vastness and isolation, leaves a lasting impression on all visitors. In addition to exploring its fragile ecosystem, Travelers with Mountain Travel Sobek’s Kalahari Desert private adventure can experience the cultural richness of the indigenous San (Bushman) people, who live in complete harmony with their environment. From Jack’s Camp, an elegant, traditional East African–style camp (the best in the Kalahari!), you’ll explore the saltpans on quad bikes, search for the elusive brown hyena, and take a walk with a Bushman and learn how the San people have survived for centuries in this harshly beautiful environment.

MOUNTAIN TRAVEL SOBEK

Tracking Large Game on Foot in Big Five Territory

An environmentally-friendly tented camp in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, Bateleur Eco Safaris is in the heart of Big 5 territory. Forming a part of the Greater Kruger National Park, all artificial barriers between the reserves have been removed, allowing the wildlife to roam free. Sightings of lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino, cheetah, antelope, and 350 bird species are common. Guides conduct daily bush walks, which teach guests to track large game on foot and provide a fascinating insight into animal behavior. To ensure an authentic wildlife experience, Bateleur Eco Safaris exposes guests to a variety of activities such as bushcraft and survival skills, bringing them closer to nature than ever before.

BATELEUR ECO SAFARIS

Cradle of Voodoo

The Adventure Center offers a journey of extremes through some of Africa’s less-visited countries: Togo, Benin, and Burkina Faso. Traveling through three very different nations, travelers experience diverse cultures and traditional religions, amazing natural attractions, unique architectural styles, friendly people and vibrant local music. From the Gulf of Guinea to the remote nomadic lands in the north of Burkina Faso, travelers visit fetish markets and python temples, spend a night in a traditional stilt village, witness fire-dancing and mask ceremonies and explore the vast expanse of the Burkinabe Sahel. Sometimes, they are even granted an audience with King Maiga Belko at Arabinda. Adventure Center

Maasailand Safari

One of National Geographic Traveler’s “50 Tours of a Lifetime”, this is the chance to explore the African savanna on foot with Maasai warriors, share stories with elders, discuss world issues of common concern, learn about wildlife conservation and animal husbandry, women’s issues, rites of passage, and discover the fine arts of beading, traditional healing, music and dance, all from a base of specially built guest bungalows in the Maasai village of Merrushi. WILDLAND ADVENTURES

Birding in Egypt

Egypt is a bridge between continents offering migratory species the perfect route for their annual flights from Europe and Asia. A wide variety of Egyptian habitats ranging from high rugged mountains to desert and tropical style jungle along the Nile basin, give it a unique character plus the diversity needed to attract an extremely wide range of bird life– over 430 species of birds are found in Egypt. Travel Egypt, in addition to Nile cruises classic Nile Valley tours, operates a tour during the anticipated peak of migrations to afford birders a vacation with the maximum chance to view and photograph the widest variety possible. Birders visit to important antiquity sites and oasis in both upper and lower Egypt and the Sinai Peninsula with its beautiful beaches, incredible undersea life, and bountiful collection of bird life. TRAVEL EGYPT

Spotting Gorilla and Chimps in Uganda

Uganda’s longest operating Safari provider (operating since 1959), Kimbla-Mantana African Safaris, combines luxury tent camps with real beds, comfortable furniture, thick rugs, and fully stocked dining and bar tents (this isn’t roughing it), with game viewing tin a private fleet of 4×4 Land cruisers. Lake Mburo Camp is set in a beautiful game park that has a wide range of Africa’s wildlife; Bwindi Forest Camp is the base for mountain gorilla treks; and Kibale Forest Camp is the forested base for chimpanzee spotting. Kimbla-Mantana African Safaris

These, and many other African experiences (as well as a myriad of special interest and adventure travel adventures), can be found in Specialty Travel Index and on www.SpecialtyTravel.com

STI is easy to use, on the web site with the “Find Your Adventure” search mechanism indexing tours by both interest/activity (Yacht Charter, Wine Tours,) and destination (Costa Rica, France) and in the magazine using similar choices. Subscriptions to the magazine cost $10 per year (Canada $15; other foreign $25) for two issues: July (Fall/Winter) and January (Spring/Summer). Send orders to: info@specialtytravel.com or order online at www.specialtytravel.com

Great African Adventures and Mountains of Africa

Struik Publishers is pleased to announce two new books bringing the adventure of outdoor Africa to readers: Great African Adventures: A Guide to the Mother Continent’s Ultimate Outdoor Adventures and Mountains of Africa. Both are available for your consideration for review.

Great African Adventures: A Guide to the Mother Continent’s Ultimate Outdoor Adventures by Jacques Marais Click photos to order these books.

Africa may rate as uncharted territory to the majority of mainstream travellers, but an advance guard of intrepid adventurers has long been exploring this intriguing continent. If you have yet to experience the countless adventures brimming between Cape Town and Cairo, this D.I.Y. guide contains all the information you need to trip confidently onto the Mother Continent.

Tales of high adventure, in-your-face photography, destination overviews, maps and contact details make this the ultimate adventure primer to Africa. Join the author and a handful of respected contributors as they river-board the Nile, climb Mali’s Hand of Fatima and run the ‘Marathon des Sables’ in Morocco, to name but a few of the adventures. An edgy style, up-to-date content and award-winning photography make this a must-have book for everyone from armchair adventurers to card-carrying members of the outdoor tribe.

Jacques Marais is a respected adventure writer and extreme sports photographer, and was selected as one of only 50 finalists in the prestigious Red Bull Illume Sports Photography Competition. He regularly contributes to premium travel magazines around the world, and this is his fifth book on outdoor adventure. He shares a house on the Cape Peninsula with his wife, two boisterous children, a ragtag of rescue pets and a serious selection of adventure toys.

Mountains of Africa by Duncan Souchan

A visual celebration that takes the reader on glorious visits to Africa’s magnificent mountains:

the holy ones, the prominent and fabled ones, and those we see and hear of all the time … the volcanic highlands of the Drakensberg/Maluti, Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Mount Kenya, Tsodilo Hills, Mount Sinai, the Atlas Mountains in Morocco, and of course Table Mountain, the jewel in South African tourism.

Mountains of Africa is a journey of both historical and modern travel: walk alongside great explorers of bygone eras while reading about modern-day activities available for mountain enthusiasts.

Also covered are people’s interactions with the mountains from the perspective of the people living in the surrounds, as well as information found in geological, geographical and pioneering history, and substantial reference is made to particular mountains that are natural sanctuary to certain endangered animals, and to the vegetation and protected parks and areas.

Duncan Souchon is a respected South African mountaineer as well as content manager of SuperSport’s SuperClimb web section. He is an adventurer at heart, a storyteller and also a man who is passionate about mountains, their people and creatures living in the area around them.

Mountains Of Africa Mountains Of Africa - A Jetsetters Magazine recommendation. The photography is exquisite, the text outstanding in detail.  You will learn about mountains seldom heard of.  A real delightful read. - Editors of Jetsetters Magazine.

MSC Cruises has Three Ships in Venice

MSC Cruises and the Council of Venice have reinforced their partnership. As a result, MSC Cruises will operate three ships from the port of Venice in 2009. Each week from April to October, three ships — MSC Poesia, MSC Musica and MSC Armonia — will depart on seven-night cruises to the Eastern Mediterranean.

They will dock at 89 ports of call (a 30 percent increase over 2008) and carry an estimated 410,000 passengers (an approximately 80 percent increase).

This message was delivered at a July 26 meeting onboard MSC Poesia between Massimo Cacciari, the mayor of Venice, and Pierfrancesco Vago, CEO of MSC Cruises.

This year, MSC Poesia and sister ship MSC Musica will remain in the lagoon until November.

MSC Cruises ships will dock at 68 ports of call, carrying 230,000 passengers. It is estimated that an average of 107 euros will be spent by each MSC Cruises guest in the city of Venice. MSC Cruises is a voluntary promoter of the “Venice Blue Flag” campaign, which limits ships’ emissions on the lagoon. MSC Cruises’ fleet is equipped with technology for aluminum recycling, energy saving, and waste water recycling.

“Venice is a treasure of humankind and as such must be protected,” Vago said. “Our commitment goes much further than only carrying guests to and from this port. Since the beginning, we have been closely monitoring the environmental impact of cruise ships in the lagoon.

Our fleet - the most modern in the world - is equipped with the latest technology to limit to any possible impact.”

Top-Flight Africa With Free Air

African Travel, Inc. Offers Two Luxury Specials

Glendale, CA- African Travel, Inc. specialists in luxury African safaris, is offering free round trip air fare to Africa — worth more than $1,500 — on a pair of safari itineraries from October through December. Travelers can choose from a 12-day South Africa and Victoria Falls trip or 13 days in Northern Tanzania, both offering topflight accommodations and services. Designed for individual parties, both safari packages depart any day of the week and can be customized with optional extensions and other arrangements. Prices are per person, double occupancy.

The Great Migration, 13 Days Tanzania, from $11,195 per person

This safari combines northern Tanzania’s finest wildlife viewing with luxury lodgings. Highlights include 4 nights in the Serengeti with daily wildlife viewing, the famed Ngorongoro Crater, one of the most unique caldera in the world; Tarangire, one of Tanzania’s “secret” wildlife havens and home to a large elephant population; and Manyara National Park in the Great Rift, with its hippos and flamingos.

Beginning and ending with a night in Arusha, the itinerary spends two nights each at Tarangire and the Ngorongoro Crater, one night at Manyara National Park, and four nights in the Serengeti. Included are roundtrip air fare from New York, luxury accommodations, 29 meals, and daily game drives and other wildlife activities with highly trained guides. Accommodations are “Wildebeest” level, and include Arusha Hotel, Tarangire Tree Lodge, Lake Manyara Tree Camp, Crater Lodge at Ngorongoro and – for maximum wildlife viewing — Mobile Migration, a mobile camp in the Serengeti.

Depending on the month of departure, prices begin at $8,795 per person, based on double occupancy for November. October and December prices are slightly higher. Single supplement begins at $2,595. Round trip economy air fare from New York to Kilimanjaro is free for travel from October through December; Business class air fare is available upon request. Taxes, fuel surcharges and security fees are additional. Travelers can spice up their trip with an optional extension to Zanzibar.

Southern Explorer, 12 Days: South Africa & Victoria Falls, from $9,975

Capetown, Kruger National Park and Victoria Falls combine on this 12-day odyssey. Two days are spent at the legendary falls with three days each in Cape Town and Kruger National Park, plus an overnight in Johannesburg en route from Kruger to Victoria Falls and prior to departure. Two full days touring Cape Town plus a dinner with a Capetonian family are followed by a stay at Singita Private Game Reserve, including morning and afternoon wildlife drives. At Victoria Falls a walking tour and an evening sundowner cruise on the Zambezi provide various vistas of one of the world’s highest falls.

Top-of-the-line accommodations for “Ebony Class” departures are at the Cape Grace in Cape Town, at Singita Boulders/Ebony in the Sabi Sands, the Saxon in Johannesburg, and the River Club at Victoria Falls. Price includes 20 meals, accommodations, all transportation, sightseeing and safari drives in an open vehicle.

“Ebony Class” departures from October – December are $9,975 per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement is $2,875. Economy class air fare from New York to Cape Town with return from Johannesburg is free for departures from October through December (black-out dates apply). Flights to Victoria Falls and Kruger National Park are additional. Business class air fare is available upon request. Taxes, fuel surcharges and security fees are additional. Travelers can extend their trip to savor more of South Africa with optional tours to South Africa’s renowned Cape Winelands or Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve.

About African Travel, Inc.

Since 1976 African Travel Inc, under the leadership of its Founder and Managing Director, Dave Herbert, has designed custom-tailored, luxury vacation experiences to the African continent and beyond for discerning travelers. African Travel Inc.’s offerings stretch from Cape Town to Cairo, the Seychelles islands, Mauritius, Madagascar and Dubai. Travel + Leisure magazine named African Travel, Inc. one of the top ten tour and safari operators in 2007.

In keeping with its philosophy, African Travel encourages preservation and economic development through a number of activities, including donating a portion of profits to wildlife conservation and cultural preservation.

For more information on African Travel Inc.’s custom-tailored trips, see your travel agent, phone (800) 421-8907 or (818) 507-7893. Information is also available at http://www.africantravelinc.com  or by emailing ati@africantravelinc.com

Sama Airlines Summer Flight Deals

Riyadh - Sama Airlines; the newest airlines in Saudi Arabia; announced the new initiatives in airports and inside the aircraft to simplify a quick check - in process for passengers without luggage, and to give the priority boarding to families with children and old people. In addition, Sama has implemented an on-board dedicated toilet inside the aircraft for ladies only, to make the travel experience a more comfortable one. These initiatives are part of Sama’s “Just for You” a campaign designed to support the summer getaway.

Mr. Samer Atawi, Sama CCO said: “We allocate a special and fast track for passengers without luggage, to simplify the whole check-in process.When it comes to boarding the aircraft, we give priority to families with children and old people to help them get settled on board. Furthermore, we allocate a one toilet inside the aircraft for ladies use only, helping them to feel more comfortable during the journey These initiatives are the first of their kind in the aviation sector in Saudi Arabia and the region, as part of “Just for You” a campaign to satisfy our traveler guests and for their comfort”

Sama Airlines has allocated a team of staff in Dammam and Jeddah, and sooner in Riyadh, to fast track Check-In for passengers without luggage, and support families with children and old people.

“Previous “Just for you” initiatives, include our frequent traveler program, which rewards the traveler with one free trip for every 9 boarding passes to any Sama destinations (Domestic or International). In addition, our promotion for kids is still valid for 250 SR to any Sama’s international destinations, to reduce the travel costs on families during this summer. “Just for You” a campaign is unique and unprecedented initiatives”, Samer Atawi added.

Sama flies to 12 domestic destinations ( Dammam, Riyadh, Jeddah, Abha, Jizan, Hail, Arar, Jouf, Tabouk, Rafha, and Bisha) and 10 international destinations across the Middle East (Abu-Dhabi, Sharjah, Amman, Damascus, Latakia, Aleppo, Beirut, Alexandira, Asiut and Sharm el Sheikh). Sama offers various ways for booking, such as the website (www.flysama.com) or Call Centre 9200 05588, or Sales Centre in all the main cities (Riyadh, Dammam, Jeddah, Madinah, Abha) and the Airports, or our Authorised Travel Agents (Inside Saudi Arabia and outside). There are various payment options also available (Cash, Credit Card, Sadad).

Regent Seven Seas Grand Explorations in 2009

Regent Seven Seas Cruises will offer a series of “Grand Explorations” aboard the Seven Seas Voyager and Seven Seas Mariner this winter.

From January through May 2009, the 700-guest sister ships will visit a total of 110 ports in 50 countries on six continents.

The 14 winter voyages range in length from 12 to 24 nights and explore destinations in the Caribbean, South America, the South Pacific, New Zealand and Australia, South East Asia, Japan, India, the Middle East, North Africa and the Mediterranean. In addition to the exotic itineraries, these Grand Explorations will feature celebrity guests.

Former Florida Governor and Senator Bob Graham, hurricane forecaster and meteorologist Max Mayfield, former NFL coach Don Shula, and Apollo astronauts Buzz Aldrin and Al Worden will lecture aboard Seven Seas Mariner. Seven Seas Voyager will feature humanitarian and Church of England envoy Terry Waite, former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, and Apollo astronauts Edgar Mitchell, Charles Duke and Gene Cernan. Environmentalist and film producer Jean-Michel Cousteau will also join select cruises of Seven Seas Mariner.

Complimentary events are offered on each voyage, including exclusive song-and-dance demonstrations in Brazil, New Zealand and the Marquesas Islands; a catamaran adventure in the Chilean fjords; a visit to the dragons of Komodo Island; or exclusive events in world-class hotels. These cruises offer savings of $3,200 to $35,345, depending on departure date and suite category.

Free airfare or complimentary hotel stays are also featured on select departures. The Grand Explorations include “South Pacific Passage,” a 19-night voyage from Los Angeles to Auckland, New Zealand, on Seven Seas Voyager Jan. 13-Feb. 1, featuring Terry Waite and a complimentary Festival of Arts event in the Marquesas Islands. Special 2-for-1 fares start at $7,995 per person.

“The Brazilian Riviera,” an 18-night voyage from Fort Lauderdale to Buenos Aires on Seven Seas Mariner departs Jan. 26 and features guest lecturer Max Mayfield and a complimentary Brazilian dance celebration in Fortaleza. This cruise also offers free airfare, up to $200-per-suite shipboard credit, and early-booking fares from $9,950 per person.

“New Zealand, Land of the Rings” is a 12-night voyage from Auckland to Sydney on Seven Seas Voyager, Feb. 1-13 that includes a complimentary “French Day” in Akaroa, New Zealand. Offered are free airfare, up to $200-per-suite shipboard credit and early-booking fares from $10,195 per person.

The 12-night “China and Vietnam” voyage from Shanghai to Singapore on Seven Seas Voyager departs March 6. Celebrity guest lecturer is former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor. There will be a complimentary event in Hong Kong. With this cruise, clients can receive free airfare, up to $200-per-suite shipboard credit, and early-booking fares from $9,695 per person.

For a list of the other Grand Exploration cruises or more information, call 800-285-1835 or visit www.rssc.com

Traveller’s Latest Compendium Brochure

The Classic Traveller (0800 988 5843, www.theclassictraveller.co.uk) has released its latest Travellers’ Compendium brochure, featuring an exclusive selection of special offers (with savings of up to £900 per person) as well as additional departure dates for certain holidays.

The Travellers’ Compendium also includes advance notice of some exciting new itineraries which will become available for the first time in the forthcoming Worldwide Collection brochure, due to be published in September.

Keen pricing is synonymous with The Classic Traveller and the special offers promoted in the Travellers’ Compendium brochure mean that these holidays promise exceptional value for money.

The largest saving is to be found on the Mauritius to Madagascar cruise of the Indian Ocean, which visits these two island nations along with Kenya, the Seychelles and several remote island groups aboard the Costa Europe.

This 16-day odyssey in an E2 cabin (the highest grade) costs from £2,199 per person and offers an incredible saving of up to £900 per person from the cruise line’s original brochure price for this cabin class. The cost includes flights, full-board accommodation and all applicable taxes (though excursions, tips and service charges of €70 per
person are not included).

Two other fantastic cruise options with incredible savings are the Ancient Treasures tour of the eastern Mediterranean and the Riviera Highlights cruise of the western part of the Med. These 8-day voyages of discovery both cost from £599 per person in an E2 cabin – a price that offers a £700 saving per person on the cruise line’s original brochure price for that cabin class.

The first option takes in eastern Italy, Greece, Turkey and Croatia while the second covers western Italy, Spain and Provence, with the price including seven nights’ full-board accommodation and all port taxes. Flights, transfers, insurance, tips, service charges and excursions are not included in the price.

Sticking with the watery theme, one of the most popular holidays in the programme is the 8-day Lake Maggiore & the Borromean Islands itinerary. This luxurious escape to one of Italy’s finest and most romantic lakeside settings combines seven nights in a four-star waterfront hotel with an excursion to the nearby Borromean Islands and opportunities to discover verdant gardens, alpine scenery and even the cosmopolitan city of Milan. The holiday costs from £499 per person, to include flights, transfers, accommodation on a B&B basis and all necessary taxes.

Those looking for savings on land-based tours will also find plenty of interest in the Travellers’ Compendium brochure. The 11-day Legends & Landscapes of Japan itinerary, for example, is a fully-escorted tour that combines the colourful city of Tokyo with intoxicating natural landscapes, exotic temples and a relaxing cruise on beautiful Lake Ashi. Highlights of the tour include a journey on one of Japan’s legendary Bullet Trains and a visit to the Atomic Bomb Museum in Hiroshima – a fascinating but profoundly moving experience. Departing on 6 November 2008, the holiday costs £1,699 per person (a saving of up to £130 per person), with the price including flights, transfers, accommodation, some meals, various excursions and the services of a professional guide throughout.

In addition to these special offers, the brochure also includes details of some exciting, new itineraries that are being featured by The Classic Traveller for the first time. A particular highlight is a short break to Morocco; this 5-day Marrakech & the Atlas Mountains adventure costs from just £179 per person, to include four nights’ accommodation in a four-star hotel (with breakfast), in-resort transfers and a sightseeing tour of Marrakech. Optional extras include excursions along the Berber trails into the jagged peaks of the High Atlas or a visit to one of the impressive fortresses that afford a glimpse into Morocco’s colourful history.

Flights are not included in the price.

Also new is the fascinating 12 day Pyramids, Petra and the Red Sea itinerary, a unique cruise-and-stay combination that takes in some of ancient Egypt and Jordan’s most iconic monuments. The tour begins with a visit to the incredible Pyramids of Giza and their attendant Sphinx before embarking on a six-night cruise of the Red Sea.

A particular highlight of the cruise is an optional excursion to Petra, home to the famous Treasury whose intricate façade is cut into the red sandstone of a cliff-face. The holiday costs from £1,299 per person and includes flights, transfers, all accommodation, many meals and the services of professional guides throughout.For more information or to book call The Classic Traveller on 0800 988 5843 or visit the website at www.theclassictraveller.co.uk

World War Two Tour of Europe

Specialist ‘Americans in Normandy’ Battlefields tour launched, $714*

A new specialist European vacation is offering US veterans, their families and military history enthusiasts the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding into the American involvement into World War Two and the Normandy landings.

Launched by the UK’s leader in Battlefields tours with specialist guides, Leger Holidays, the five-day trip will re-trace the steps of the US Invasion Force as it played a vital role in securing the success of the Allied liberation of Europe.

After arriving in Normandy on day one, day two will focus on the Omaha Sector which saw the American 1st and 29th Infantry Divisions as they fought on the beach which will forever be known as ‘Bloody Omaha’.

Day three focuses on the exploits of the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions who paved the way for the 4th Infantry landing on Utah Beach. On day four the tour moves on to Operation Cobra and the battle for the Falaise Gap.

The trip will also include visits to the American Military Cemetery (above Omaha Beach) and the American Cemetery at St. James (Brittany), providing an opportunity for visitors to pay their respects to America’s fallen heroes.

The fully escorted five-day vacation includes travel by luxury Silver Service coach, four nights’ accommodation at the three-star Mercure Caen Côte de Nacre hotel situated on the outskirts of Caen, continental breakfast and information and commentary from one of Leger’s specialist expert Battlefields guides.

Silver Service coach travel includes porterage in all hotels, a smaller more personal group, free personal headphones, choice of music, on board DVD player and satellite navigation display.

An ideal short break for people who are in the UK visiting family and friends, the tour departs from 400 joining points across the UK. Departure points also include Heathrow Airport, Dover and central London. Prices start from £359 ($714*) per person departing 15 or 29 September 2008 or 29 March 2009.

For further information about Leger Holidays call +44 845 458 5599 or visit the dedicated website www.normandybattlefields.co.uk

Please note: Participants must arrange their own travel to the UK to join the tour. Click the banner below for Leger tours.

Crew Wanted For 600 BC Sailing Expedition

Phoenicia Fact Sheet The search is on for keen sailors to take part in an ambitious expedition which aims to recreate the first circumnavigation of Africa believed to have been completed by Phoenician mariners almost 3,000 years ago.

The Phoenician Ship Expedition will set sail this summer from the ancient Syrian port of Arwad, which is where the 70 ft replica vessel is being built.

Led by Philip Beale who successfully headed the Borobudur expedition in 2003-04 sailing a replica 8th century Indonesian trading vessel from Indonesia to West Africa, this latest venture is more ambitious and will see the ship cover 17,000 miles over 12 months before she arrives in London.

“You don’t have to be Ellen MacArthur to take part in this project, although she’d be most welcome. We’re looking for people who have a sense of adventure and curiosity to be part of a small team in what will inevitably be challenging circumstances. We want a multination crew and obviously not everyone can take so long away from work and family commitments so we’d welcome applications from people who could come for part of the voyage” said Beale.

The Phoenicia team are in need of specialist skills such as medical, culinary, IT and photographic expertise as well as experienced and novice sailors. Applications forms are available to down load from the projects website www.phoenicia.org.uk

Row Adventures is a Nat Geo winner.