Ethiopian Airlines launched Ethiopian Airlines Journeys, a new collection of vacation packages of East Africa. All packages feature Ethiopian Airlines service, plus hotel, land tours and other inclusion. The new tour packages combine the excitement of an African safari with the immense history that only the cradle of humanity can provide. A featured package for this season is the Queen of Sheba Tour, a seven-day journey that whisks travelers along historic paths through ancient Ethiopia.

Starting with the historic city of Addis Ababa, the tour goes on to explore the land of the Queen of Sheba, 17th century palaces, ancient empires, 12th century rock churches and the awe-inspiring Blue Nile Falls, with stops in the Northern Ethiopian cities of Bahir Dar, Gondar, Lalibela, and Axum. The price starts at $3,355 and includes airfare (both international and within Ethiopia) hotel accommodations, meals, ground transportation, professional guides, and more. In addition to this experience, Ethiopian Airlines Journeys also provides affordable, high-quality safaris throughout East Africa.

For more information, call 866-599-3797 or visit www.seeyouinethiopia.com

After visitors experience Lucy in the exhibit, they can experience Ethiopia’s majestic culture and history for themselves with a trip to East Africa. Discover Ethiopia and East Africa in a new way with Ethiopian Airlines Journeys, which offers a variety of full-service tours of Ethiopia, Tanzania and Kenya.

For more information about the exhibit, call 206-443-2001 or visit www.pacificsciencecenter.org.

 For more about travel to Ethiopia, call 866-599-3797 or visit www.seeyouinethiopia.com

As travel providers feed the demand for flights to Egypt, Rotana provides the answer to the accommodation question

With reports that Freedom Flights has seen an unprecedented demand for flights to Sharm El Sheikh in September and October 2008, Rotana is happy to provide the perfect accommodation for an escape to the sunshine of Egypt.

As travel agents demand more and more flights to the Red Sea resort, the common reason seems to be that Brits are craving blue skies and the shimmering sun after one of the worst UK summers on record.

Rotana, the leading hotel management company in the Middle East, has a selection of resorts in Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada. Dotted along some of the region’s finest beaches, these properties offer the ideal surroundings for leisure travellers across four properties. Rotana has combined traditional Arabic culture and hospitality with international service standards and facilities.

From the monumental Pyramids to the powerful River Nile, the mineral-rich mountains, the bustling cities and the aquatic life of the Red Sea, Egypt will entice every traveller. Sharm El Sheikh is Egypt’s ‘Riviera’, renowned for white-sand beaches, endless desert landscapes and crystal clear blue waters.

Coral Beach Rotana Resort – Tiran

Situated on Shark’s Bay, the hotel is within easy reach of the shopping centre of Na’ama Bay. The hotel blends traditional Arabian hospitality with international standards and the luxury of a leading resort.

The hotel, which is suitable for couples and families, features 367 rooms and suites all with sea or garden views. There are six food & beverage outlets including ‘Shark’s Bay Seafood Restaurant’, ‘Mermaid’ international buffet and ‘Café Al Zaeem’, renowned for traditional Middle Eastern cuisine.

The expansive leisure facilities include two tennis courts, Bodylines fitness facility, a private beach with diving facilities and three terraced swimming pools surrounded by waterfalls and whirlpools.

Grand Rotana Resort & Spa

Rotana’s newest resort in Sharm el Sheikh, this beautiful five-star hotel is set in tropical gardens amid 2,000 palm trees and offers a 450-metre private beach. The Grand Rotana Resort & Spa is situated just five miles from the airport and close to the Na’ama Bay commercial and shopping area as well as within easy reach of tourist attractions.

The resort offers colourful rooms and suites, in addition to nine luxurious villas, all with stunning views of the Red Sea. It has a wide range of food & drink outlets including the signature restaurant ‘Silk Road’ offering three theatre kitchens featuring cuisines from China and Thailand, via India and Arabia and to Western Europe. There’s something for every palate from Middle-Eastern cuisine to Italian dishes.

Leisure facilities include a Bodylines fitness centre, games room, children’s pool and children’s club plus Zen the spa at Rotana. The spa features ten beautifully designed treatment rooms and relaxation areas enticing guests to sample the many face and body therapies available.

Rotana has two other properties in Egypt; the Coral Beach Rotana Resort – Montazah in Sharm El Sheikh and the Coral Beach Rotana Resort – Hurghada in the Red Sea resort of Hurghada.

For further information on Rotana, please go to www.rotana.com

For a remarkable African overland, look no further - Dragoman Overland still have availability on November departures from Cape Town to Vic Falls or Addis Ababa to Khartoum. Trek in Ethiopia’s Simien Mountains, overland into the immense 1km deep Blue Nile Gorge and visit the spectacle of the Whirling Dervishes, unique to Sudan, or boat safari through Botswana’s Chobe NP, meet Cheetahs at Otjitongwe in Namibia and quad bike through the dunes of the Namib Desert before soaking up the atmosphere in Cape Town – life-changing journeys await!

Deserts, Delta & Dugouts – 21-nights, departing Cape Town 23rd November 2008. (Trip code DDD148).

This action packed itinerary promises a comprehensive insight beyond just the highlights of South Africa. Explore Cape Town and its surroundings, the Cape of Good Hope and iconic Table Mountain. Journey through the Cape Province then cross the Namib Desert, home to extraordinary wildlife, including herds of Elephant, Zebra, Oryx.

 Visit a breeding ground for Cape Fur Seals at Cape Cross, then head off to one of the most stunning areas of Namibia, the wildlands around Spitzkoppe Mountain (1,987m). Continue north to the lush ecosystem of the Okavango Delta before jeep safaris in Chobe NP, famed for its huge Elephant population. Finally, explore the falls and gorges of the Zambezi River, canoe the Upper Zambezi or take a flight to see Victoria Falls in all its glory.

The overland costs £595 p/p plus kitty of US$550 (~£296) including transport aboard Dragoman Overland’s customised Mercedes-Benz truck and canoes, camping and hotel accommodation (80%/20%), all camp meals plus the expertise of Dragoman’s two person crew and local camp master.

Ethiopian Highlands & Sudan - 25-night, departs Addis Ababa 19th November 2008. (Trip code EHS48)

Overland journey following the Nile from Ethiopia’s Addis Ababa to Khartoum in Sudan. Expect few western amenities and likely deviations to the planned itinerary, all of which reflect the ‘otherness’ of this region of Africa. Step into a world of ancient Christian and Muslim traditions against a backdrop of memorable sights and sounds – the confluence of the Niles, Blue Nile Falls and Gorge, Gondar, the Grave Dancing of the Whirling Dervishes, Lalibela Churches, Bahir Dar, Axum, Lake Tana and the Monasteries and the stunning Simien Mountains National Park.

The tour costs £925 p/p plus kitty $320 (~£172) including travel aboard Dragoman’s customised Mercedes-Benz vehicle, hotel and camp accommodation (65% / 35%) all camp meals and the expertise of Dragoman’s two person crew and local guides.

International flights are not included but are available through Dragoman.

Dragoman Overland
01728 861 133
info@dragoman.co.uk
www.dragoman.com

The Marmara Hotels & Residences is offering Cultural Experience Packages that bring history to life in three of Turkey’s most enchanting cities.

Each offers a glimpse of Turkey’s rich history and culture, hospitality and access to its top sites. From mosques and palaces to modern museums and ancient ruins, from bazaars to Turkish cuisine, outdoor adventures and awe-inspiring scenery, discover it all with one of these Marmara Cultural Experience Packages.

Guests can choose from the mesmerizing excitement of Istanbul, the beautiful Mediterranean coast of Antalya or the charming seaside town of Bodrum, or combine the city and seaside packages for one unforgettable journey.

City Excitement — From its prime city center location in historic Old Istanbul, The Marmara Pera offers easy access to museums, shopping, Istanbul’s top sites and exciting nightlife. Explore the only city in the world located on two continents. The Marmara Pera Cultural Experience Package includes three nights accommodation in a superior room; daily buffet breakfast; complimentary wireless Internet access; use of traditional Turkish hamman at The Marmara Istanbul; Turkish raki and nuts served in-room; Turkish coffee and Turkish Delight at the Marmara Café; half-day city tour of Old Istanbul; and tickets to the Sabanci Museum, the Istanbul Modern Museum and the Pera Museum. Rates range from 588 euro to 918 euro per couple, exclusive of tax and service.

Beach Retreat — The Marmara Antalya Beach & Resort in southern Turkey is the world’s only revolving hotel. Located along the Turquoise coast with stunning views of the Taurus Mountains, the resort features its own private beach, a pool, a spa, a man-made river for watersports, and convenient access to the region’s archeological and historical attractions.

The Marmara Antalya Cultural Experience Package includes four nights accommodation in a deluxe room with sea view, daily buffet breakfast at Tuti Restaurant, daily buffet dinner at Tuti Restaurant, complimentary wireless Internet access, chocolate platter in-room upon arrival, one massage, full-day tour to Kekova-Myra-St. Nicholas and a full-day 4×4 Jeep tour to Beskonak-Koprulu Kanyon-Selgel. Rates start at 1276 euro per couple, exclusive of taxes and service.

Seaside Charm — The Marmara Bodrum is a five-star resort in the St. Tropez of Turkey. Located on a hilltop overlooking the Aegean Sea, the luxury boutique resort is a seaside retreat with an award-winning spa and private yacht for sailing trips along the coast. Sleepy fishing villages, the ruins of ancient cities, the Temple of Zeus at Labranda and The Mausoleum of Halikarnossos — one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World — are all easily accessible from the resort. The Marmara Bodrum Cultural Experience Package includes four nights’ accommodation in a deluxe room, daily breakfast, complimentary wireless Internet access, and spa credit of 25 euros per person per stay. Rates start at 1,570 euros per couple, exclusive of tax and service.

The Marmara Cultural Packages are offered through Dec. 31, 2008, based on availability. Rates are based on double occupancy and taxes and service are additional.

For more information, visit www.themarmarahotels.com

Ethiopian Airlines Journeys is offering two new Photography Journeys. Both vacation packages highlight the art of photography against a backdrop of Ethiopia’s most beautiful sites. Queen of Sheba Timket and the Queen of Sheba and Simien Mountains photography journeys are created in partnership with F/STOP Studio of Washington, D.C.

Each tour is led by a professional photographer from F/STOP Studio, following historic paths through ancient Ethiopia. Explore the land of the Queen of Sheba, 17th century palaces, ancient empires, 12th century rock churches and the awe-inspiring Blue Nile Falls. Capture the festivities of Timket or the sunrise in the Simien Mountains. Travelers not only discover the country and its beauty, but also receive professional tips and priceless photographs of this trip of a lifetime.

F/STOP Studio has been photographing the world for over 25 years. The studio consists of award-winning photographer Andarge Asfaw and colleague Donna Jones, a portrait/fine-art photographer and photo editor. Asfaw’s book of photography, “Ethiopia from the Heart,” was published in June 2007 and edited by Jones. Asfaw and Jones could not be more excited to share their knowledge and expertise with Ethiopian Airlines Journeys.

Both photography journeys start at $4,338, which includes round-trip and domestic airfare, hotel accommodations, meals, ground transportation, professional guides and more.

For complete itineraries and information, visit www.seeyouinethiopia.com/Itineraries/photo.asp

All Ethiopian Airlines Journeys vacations feature air service from Ethiopian Airlines. Ethiopian Airlines is one of the largest airlines in Africa, as winner of the 2007 African Business of the Year and Best African Airline Award for 2006 service and quality are superior when flying Ethiopian Airlines. Featuring five flights weekly from Washington, D.C.’s Dulles International Airport, the airline offers both morning and evening departures, with the morning departure allowing seamless connections to 29 African destinations. For more information about Ethiopian Airlines, visit www.ethiopianairlines.com Ethiopian Airlines Journeys is a single-source solution to plan and realize a truly authentic vacation in one of the most exciting and historical regions of Africa.

For more information, call 866-599-3797 or visit www.seeyouinethiopia.com

Rejoice in Azur-All-Day Dining restaurant and share with your family and friends a regal Iftar Buffet.

Every evening, feast on an array of authentic Arabic dishes and mouth-watering delicacies with classic specialties, a main feature of Azur Buffet. Break your fast with fresh dates and start with a traditional lentil soup and mezzeh comprising of hummus, moutabel, fattoush and from the hot section, falafel, sambouseh and kebbeh. Live cooking and meat carving stations, including a large selection of Oriental mix grills from our Kamados barbecues, will delight the most robust appetite.

No less than four salad bars and a choice of vegetarian and seafood dishes will ensure the healthiest palate is left satiated as well.

Finally, end on a sweet note with a delectable assortment of Arabic pastries and sweets, and indulge in a selection of appetizing desserts such as Um Ali, Mouhalabia and puddings. Azur-All-Day Dining restaurant is overlooking the tropical Raffles Botanical Garden and offers a choice of indoors and outdoors dining areas.

Special Azur Iftar Buffet - 200.00 AED including drinks
Regular Dinner Buffet – 225 AED excluding drinks
Dress Code: Smart Casual
Daily Operation Hours during Ramadan:

• Closed for Breakfast and Lunch
• Iftar Buffet from 18:00 to 21:00 hrs
• Dinner Buffet from 21:30 to 24:00 hrs
For Dining Reservations and Enquiries, please call directly +971 4 314 9888 or Email: dining.dubai@raffles.com

All prices are Dirhams and include 10 % Municipality Fees & 10 % Service ChargeStep into the majestic lounge of Raffles Salon and revel in its timeless elegance and graceful décor. The dramatic interior is accentuated with imposing hand-carved Egyptian columns, brass chandeliers, and adding a nostalgic touch from another era, mementos dating back from the 1950’ – 1960’ from the original Raffles Singapore, carefully kept under glass.

The refined atmosphere of Raffles Salon is the perfect retreat for informal gatherings with friends and loved ones or to conduct meetings with associates and business partners. This elegant yet inviting lounge sets the tone every evening during Ramadan, with live renditions of traditional Oriental music.

Enjoy Arabic juices, coffee and soft drinks while nibbling on Arabic sweets, dates and Raffles pastries and let you transported away from the city hustle and bustle for one night.

Live Oriental music every evening
Dress Code: Smart Casual
Daily Operation Hours during Ramadan: from 18:30 to 02:00 hrs

For Dining Reservations and Enquiries, please call directly +971 4 314 9888 or Email: dining.dubai@raffles.com

All prices are Dirhams and include 10 % Municipality Fees & 10 % Service Charge

With its Balinese-inspired décor, soothing water features and inviting indoors and outdoors setting overlooking the lush Raffles Botanical Garden, the exotic Crossroads offers the ideal respite during Ramadan.

Inside, sit back and relax while enjoying an assortment of selected Cold Arabic mezze and refreshing juices. Alternatively, take advantage of the ideal weather and picturesque location with the outside patio, complete with a secluded pagoda and informal setting of cozy armchairs, and surround yourself to the scenic atmosphere.

Our Shi Sha Sommelier will be on hand to recommend innovative combinations of fruity flavors and unique tastes never tried before, mixed with infused tobacco.

Experience true lounging, Raffles style!

Dress Code: Smart Casual
Serving non alcoholic beverages only
Operation Hours during Ramadan: daily from 19:00 to 03:00 hrsFor Dining Reservations and Enquiries, please call directly +971 4 314 9888 or Email: dining.dubai@raffles.com

All prices are Dirhams and include 10 % Municipality Fees & 10 % Service Charge

Ramadan: Daily Operation Hours for Raffles Dubai’s Restaurants & Bars:
Fire & Ice – Raffles Cellar & Grill:
Raffles Grill from 19:00 to 24:00 hrs
Raffles Cellar from 19:00 to 03:00 hrs

Asiana Restaurant:
Serving Breakfast from 06:30 to 10:30 hrs (120 AED per person including drinks)
Lunch from 12:30 to 15:30 hrs
Dinner from 19:00 to 23:30 hrsThe Noble House:
Dinner from 19:00 to 23:30 hrs

New Asia Bar: Closed during the whole month of Ramadan

China Moon: 19:00 to 03:00 hrs with pipeline music

Celebrate Ramadan at RafflesAmrita Spa

A unique oasis of relaxation and blissful pampering, RafflesAmrita Spa is a true haven of serenity. With our RafflesAmrita Spa Ramadan Offers, embark on a journey to rejuvenate and cleanse your soul, body & mind, for an unforgettable spa experience.

Arabian Hammam Ceremony - 120 min
Hammam Experience
AED 679

Transition yourself from the world outside, to a peaceful sanctuary here at RafflesAmrita Dubai. This treatment purifies all aspects of our existence, mind, body, and soul bringing ancient Arab civilization to your own personal suite. The Hammam experience will cleanse your body incorporating decadent ancient black eucalyptus soap, followed by several steams and an invigorating exfoliation. A Rassoul mask is then applied to the body and proceeds with a massage for the mind and soul to surrender to. Immerse yourself in the ceremony of Hammam, we look forward to welcoming you.

Moroccan Scrub - 60 min
Locally Inspired Exfoliation
AED 369

Enchant yourself with history and tradition dating back to the nomad tribes settling in Morocco and Egypt. Transform your deserted skin with an organic Moroccan Berber Cereal Scrub mixed with luscious floral waters. Glaze the body with exotic perfumed oils whilst a blanket of warmth attends to the infusion of their riches.

Sea Recovery - 90 min
Detoxifying
AED 679

Withdraw from the everyday pressures of the fabulous whirlwind that is Dubai and recover your body and soul with our marine botanicals. You are wrapped in a detoxifying body cocoon followed by a private steam shower. Then luxuriate in a heated Thai inspired massage using a grass bolus of sea salts crystals and lavender flowers. Soothe achy tired muscles and help your body take care of itself.

 

Riyadh-Asiut and Dammam-Beirut)

Sama Airlines” launches new routes (Riyadh-Asiut and Dammam-Beirut)

• Sama is the only airlines flying to Asiut directly from Saudi
• Fares starts from SR 290 Dammam-Beirut, and 390 Riyadh-Asiut
• Sama network covers 10 international cities with 23 routes

Riyadh: Sama Airlines, the newest low-fares airline in Saudi Arabia, announced that launch of two new international routes between Riyadh-Asiut and Dammam-Beirut, starting from 1st of September 2008. Sama network now is increased to cover 10 international cities with 23 international routes departing from Riyadh, Dammam, and Jeddah.

Mr. Samer Atawi, Chief Commercial Officer of Sama said: “we are pleased in Sama to inaugurate these two international routes (Riyadh-Asiut, and Dammam-Beirut) to serve our guests, and to answer the demand on these routes. Sama offers new attractive options to eastern province citizens to travel to Lebanon for pleasure or business. Sama is the only airline flying directly from Saudi Arabia to Asiut, our first route was from Jeddah, and now from Riyadh to serve all Egyptian society in Saudi Arabia and Egyptian citizens in Asiut and southern Egypt, who are working in Saudi Arabia and looking to visit their families and friends in Asiut, or who want to visit Saudi Arabia for work or Umrah. Sama launched inaugural fares for these two destinations, fares start from SR 390 for Riyadh-Asiut and SR 290 for Dammam-Beirut.”

Flights to Beirut depart from Dammam twice weekly on Tuesday and Friday, and flights to Asiut depart from Riyadh three times weekly on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

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, POS, Credit Card, Sadad).

Explore Egypt with a tourist guide

Hailed as “the travel service innovation of 2008″ by the Irish Times

OurExplorer facilitates with ease the on-line booking of professional tourist guides from all over the world. Save time and money while you explore your next destination with the wisdom and guidance of a local.

Have you ever thought whilst visiting a new destination, “I wonder where the locals eat, drink, fish, ski, shop or party?” OurExplorer suggests its time for us all to stop simply sight-seeing but rather start exploring with the local wisdom and knowledge of a professional tourist guide.

OurExplorer has launched a new travel concept in BETA, a user-rated tourist guide booking tool created exclusively for your personal travel needs.

As the global financial crisis still looms, OurExplorer can save travellers hassle and money by getting the maximum out of their overseas adventure with a private tourist guide.

Enjoy the insight of the best shopping and value for money dining experiences in a city, directly from a native. Some tourist guides are currently offering special discounted rates and free tour hours on OurExplorer.

OurExplorer promote professional tourist guides only. Pre booking, the traveller can view their experience, license, past client testimonials or even chat with the tourist guide.

OurExplorer launched in July 2008 with now over 400 private tourist guides covering more than 80 countries worldwide — making it the biggest professional tourist guide directory in the world and growing all the time!

Make your trip overseas unique and full of adventure.
You book your flight and accommodation on-line, why not your tourist guide?
Get a tourist guide for land (city guide, mountain guide) or sea (diving guide).

Purpose of OurExplorer:

1. To help tourist guides increase their income thereby benefiting the local community - especially those in poor countries e.g. Kenya, Mexico and Cambodia.

2. Increase cross cultural awareness and acceptance via direct connection with locals e.g. people in USA get the chance to understand those in Pakistan and Israel

“Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry but it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends,” said Mahatma Gandhi.

“Less than 9.7% of overseas travelers interact in meaningful discussion with a local,” according to the Tourism 2020 Vision reported by WTO.

The IMF concluded in March 2007 that “direct support of independent local businesses when you travel has the most positive results on local economy”.

“Rather than just donating money, OurExplorer is a sustainable long term solution to help low income families globally,” said David Cunningham (Chief Exploring Officer).