Jetsettersblog

Elegant Cruises & Tours Early Booking Savings

Elegant Cruises & Tours is offering an early booking savings of $600 per couple for bookings made through Sept. 30 on its new 14-day “Monasteries of the Lonely Desert” cruise-tour, which explores Egypt and the birthplace of early religions.

Departures, which include a cruise on the Red Sea aboard the new, 62-passenger Monet, start Dec. 18. The cruise-tour focuses on Egyptian temples, early Greco-Roman architecture and archeological sites deep in the desert, including the monasteries of St. Anthony and St. Paul (UNESCO World Heritage Sites), the 4th century Monastery of the Seven Nuns, and St. Catherine’s, the oldest working monastery in the region and home to the one of the world’s largest collections of illuminated manuscripts.

Passengers will travel with expert guides and lecturers like Dr. William Dever, a Near Eastern biblical scholar. Key ports of call include Safaga for Luxor and the Valley of the Kings; Sharm El Sheik and Aqaba for Petra; and Amman and Jerash with overnights and overland excursions to pyramids, museums, bazaars, Bedouin camps and monuments. Pre- and post-cruise extensions are available.

Prices for the all-inclusive cruise-tour package, with meals onboard, shore excursions, four nights in Jordan, an overnight in Cairo, all transfers and a guest lecturer, start at $3,512 per person double.

Cruise-only prices start at $2,706 per person double. International air arrangements are available.

Call 800-683-6767, email info@elegantcruises.com  or visit www.elegantcruises.com

Egypt Top Hot Spot For Property Investors

While the strength of the Euro against the pound has prompted a slowdown in people purchasing properties across Europe, Egypt appears to be fast becoming a major investment hot spot.

More than 275,000 people from the UK already own property overseas according to the Office of National Statistics. Sales figures from J&JA Overseas Property show that the stability of the Egyptian pound has created good growth investment opportunities in the Land of the Pharaohs.

The impact that fluctuating exchange rates can have on the cost of buying overseas property is significant and taking advantage of favourable rates can save property investors large sums.

Egypt’s proximity to Europe makes it ideal to take up the mantle of overseas growth. The increase in sales is also fuelled by low running costs, excellent year round flight links from the UK, unique climate, high capital growth and strong rental demand.

Julie Aristidou, managing director of J&JA Overseas Properties isn’t surprised that Egypt is fast becoming a sought after investment destination commenting; “The current state of the UK economy has meant many people are looking abroad to invest. The pound is weak against the Euro so investors are looking outside the EU and Egypt is a prime location.”

About J & JA Overseas Properties (http://jjaoverseasproperties.com)

J&JA Overseas Properties are an English owned and managed overseas property investment company, offering an unparalleled service to clientele by providing customised packages based on their individual requirements. Top of the range investment property is available in Egypt, Bulgaria, Cyprus and the UAE, amongst many others.

Working with their established partners J&JA Overseas Properties offer a full range of overseas property services including, access to the most exclusive properties on the market, dedicated after sales support system, intermediary service between client and developer and one-to-one viewing tours of property overseas to name.

Air Arabia adds flights to Beirut and Amman

Sharjah - Air Arabia, the first and largest low-cost carrier (LCC) in the Middle East and North Africa, announced today that three additional flights per week will be added to Amman, Jordan, and Beirut, Lebanon, respectively from the carrier’s primary hub in Sharjah, UAE.

Currently, Air Arabia flies daily to Amman and Beirut. Flights to Amman depart Sharjah at 12:50PM and arrive at 14:45PM. Return flights depart Amman at 15:30PM and arrive in Sharjah at 19:20PM. The three additional flights to Amman take place on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, and depart Sharjah at 7:00AM and arrive in Amman at 8:55AM. On the same days, return flights depart Amman at 9:40AM and arrive in Sharjah at 13:30PM.

Flights to Beirut currently depart Sharjah at 9:00AM and arrive at 11:15AM daily. On the same day return flights leave Beirut at 12:00PM and arrive in Sharjah at 16:10PM. The three additional flights to Beirut take place on Thursdays, Saturdays and Mondays. On Thursdays and Saturdays, flights depart Sharjah at 23:55PM and arrive in Beirut at 2:10AM. On the same days, return flights depart Beirut at 2:55AM and arrive in Sharjah at 7:05AM. On Mondays, flights depart Sharjah at 00:50AM and arrive in Beirut at 03:05AM. On the same days, return flights depart Beirut at 3:50AM and arrive in Sharjah at 8:00AM.

“Amman and Beirut represent two of our oldest and most popular destinations,” said AK Nizar, Head of Commercial Department, Air Arabia. “As the leader of the Middle Eastern LCC sector, we have strived to give our passengers the most convenient flight times available. With the start of summer season we realised the significant need for additional flights on those routes and have made the decision to add them to the benefit of our passengers.

“The popularity of flights to Amman and Beirut from the Gulf reflects the strong relationship between these cities and the Gulf region. We are proud to
play a part in the growing ties between these two great capitals of the Levant, and the economies of the GCC,” he added.

Kempinski Residences Alabadiyah Hills in Lebanon

FA Hotels & Resorts (IFA HR) and JV partner Kuwait Real Estate Company announced the launch of Kempinski Residences Alabadiyah Hills, branded serviced apartments, located in the freehold Alabadiyah Hills resort in Lebanon’s picturesque Dhour Abadiyah village overlooking Beirut and the Mediterranean.

Talal Jassim Al-Bahar, Chairman and Managing Director, IFA HR stated: “Lebanon is one of the most sought after holiday destinations in the Middle East, popular among tourists from the Gulf and expatriates alike. We witnessed great success with our first phase of Alabadiyah Hills which is now nearing completion. Despite the recent unrest in Lebanon, we continued with the construction of the project as we have always had strong faith in the country. We’re looking forward to welcoming guests to the property in the near future. ”

Phase two of the mixed-use complex comprises four towers of four floors each, offering penthouses and one, two and three-bedroom apartments for sale, with all the extras of a five-star hotel and optional furniture packages. The complex will be managed by Europe’s oldest luxury hotel group, Kempinski Hotels, and will also house a number of upscale restaurants and cafes.

Piaras Moriarty, VP Sales Middle East, IFA HR said: “Kempinski Residences Alabadiyah Hills are branded apartments that come with an optional rental programme. Targeted at high-net worth individuals living overseas, the arrangement allows this segment of investors to holiday in their own luxurious apartments and gain an income from letting out idle properties when not in use.”

Ulrich Eckhardt, President Middle East and Africa for Kempinski Hotels said: “This project with IFA Hotels & Resorts creates an ideal platform for us to enter the Lebanese market, and will set the standard for future projects in the region. Kempinski is known for exceptionally high standards of quality and service, which is one of the main advantages for investors in this luxury residence, who would be sure to receive superior five-star services all year round.”

Alabadiyah Hills is comprised of 15 private villas, 30 townhouses and 220 luxury apartments with their own swimming pools and gardens. The development also hosts recreational facilities including a members-only health club, gymnasium and tennis court.

Al-Bahar concluded: “This is another clear message to our investors that we intend to maintain our quality integrated resort development, by partnering with Kempinski, and where we are delivering on the promise made to further invest and develop in the beautiful country of Lebanon.”

-ends-

Sama Airlines of Sharm El-Sheikh & Amman

Sama Airlines, the newest low-fare carrier in Saudi Arabia, has commenced services to Sharm El-Sheikh in Egypt, the tenth international destination for Sama and the third destination inside Egypt after Alexandria and Asiut. The first flight on board Mr. Andrew Cowen, CEO of Sama, Mr. Samer Atawi, Chief Commercial Officer, Mr. Faisal Al-Duhaim, the director of Marketing and PR, and with the presence of number of officials from the Supreme Commission of Tourism, Riyadh Chamber of Commerce, and senior Saudi and Egypt journalists.

On this occasion, Mr. Andrew Cowen, Sama CEO said in the press conference that was held at Sharm EL-Sheikh: “We are pleased today to inaugurate Sharm El-Sheikh, one of the most important tourism destinations in the region, from Jeddah and Riyadh, to answer the growing demand from our guests during the summer. Sama has achieved more than 50,000 booking on it’s Egyptian routes to date, with the expectations to transfer more than 120,000 passengers between Saudi Arabia and Egypt this summer, as part of our on going strategy to be the preferred low fares airline in the Middle East”

The first flights to Sharm El-Sheikh from Jeddah on 10th Jun and from Riyadh on 11th Jun departed fully loaded. This is an indication of customer confidence in Sama and its promotion of new destinations. Fares start from 310 SR on services every Wednesday and Friday from Riyadh, and every Saturday, Tuesday, and Thursday from Jeddah.

’Sama Airlines is also starting a new route from Jeddah to Amman in Jordan. This answers the demand for more choice and low fares to Jordan from Jeddah, for those wishing to visit family and friends, on holiday, or for study, or business travel purposes. Sama operates 6 weekly flights from Jeddah and 5 weekly flights from Riyadh. Furthermore, Sama offers additional choices for accommodation in many hotels with special prices through our website www.flysama.com.

I am also proud to launch a number of initiatives under our Just for You customer campaign. We are allocating 55,000 seats for child bookings at a special fare 250 SR to all Sama destinations until the end of October‘‘ Samer Atawi said, CCO of Sama

The ceremony of the first flight to Amman from Jeddah was honored by the Jordanian Consul in Jeddah, Mr. Ayed Al-Jarardah, and Eng. Sameer Al-Baddah, King AbdulAziz International Airport deputy manager, who wishes the company well in the new route (Jeddah-Amman), while fares start from 380 SR.

Sama flies to 13 domestic destinations (Dammam, Riyadh, Jeddah, Madinah, 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).

Right-travel describes the history of Egypt

The Great Pyramid of Giza is the oldest tombstone on the list of the Seven Wonders of the Antique World. The Great Pyramid took about 20 years to complete, and several theories are debated by scholars as to how it was built and by whom.

The Great Pyramid of Giza is the oldest tombstone on the list of the Seven Wonders of the Antique World. The Great Pyramid took about 20 years to complete, and several theories are debated by scholars as to how it was built and by whom. Some theories point to slave labor, but it seems more reasonable that Egyptians themselves lent their efforts, working during the times of year when the Nile was flooded and their farm work would not have been possible. It would have been a sort of civil service.

Sphinx is an image of a recumbent lion with a human head invented by the Egyptians of the Old Kingdom, and is a cultural import in Greek mythology. Sakkara is one of the most wide archaeological sites in Egypt! It was the burial ground for Memphis, the capital of Ancient Egypt, yet it is still one of the virgin archaeological sites, despite the fact that so much has already been found here! The Egyptian museums describe the history and historical events of Egypt.

Mohamed Ali Mosque is surrounded by the most attractive Mosques in Egypt. It stands proudly on the highest point inside the courtyard of the Citadel of Saladin, and is also called the Alabaster Mosque. The architect was Yousf Boushnaq, a Turkish man who had come over from Istanbul to construct this huge Mosque for Mohamed Ali, the ruler of Egypt from1805 until 1849. He based his strategy on the Sultan Ahamed Mosque in Istanbul, and the building began in 1830 A.D. The work sustained ceaselessly until the death of Mohamed Ali in 1849, and had to be over during the reign of his successors.

Construction of the Abu Simbel Temple complex started in approximately 1284 BC and lasted for circa 20 years, until 1264 BC. Their purpose was to impress Egypt’s southern neighbors, and also to support the status of Egyptian religion in the region. This is the great temple of Abu Simbel, dedicated to the glory of pharao Ramses II. Philae Island was a rocky island in the middle of the River Nile, south of Aswan. It was called in Hieroglyphic “Apo” which means Ivory. It was also known by the Greek “Elephantine”, most likely because it was an important centre of trade, especially for ivory.

Right-travel is one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. It is much more than what we refer to as the Valley of the Kings, though many have called the whole of the area by that name. The Egyptian faith that “To speak the name of the dead is to make him live again” is surely carried out in the building of the tombs. The king’s formal names and titles are inscribed in his tomb along with his images and statues.

The temple of Karnak was known as Ipet-isut (Most select of places) and was devoted to the Theben triad of Amen, Mut and Khonsu. It is actually a complex of three main temples, smaller enclosed temples, and several outer temples. This vast complex was built and enlarged over a thirteen hundred year period. Karnak is the biggest temple complex in the world, covering an area of 100 hectares.

Luxor Temple is a large Ancient Egyptian temple complex located on the east bank of the River Nile in the city today known as Luxor. Many festivals were celebrated in Thebes. The Temple of Luxor was the center of the most important one, the festival of Opet. Built largely by Amenhotep III and Ramesses II, it appears that the temple’s purpose was for a suitable setting for the rituals of the festival. The festival itself was to reconcile the human aspect of the ruler with the divine office.

For More Information: http://www.right-travel.com

Savvy Sun Seekers Choose Luxe For Less

Consumers feeling the economic pinch are choosing not to sacrifice their annual foreign holiday and instead are becoming savvier about seeking out the best deals. Leading online operator, key2holidays (www.key2holidays.co.uk)  has identified destinations offering particularly good value for money without compromising on luxury.

Discounts of up to 40 per cent, free night offers and beneficial exchange rates mean that an array of luxury holidays to exotic destinations are available. In addition, analysis of 2007 prices with current holidays available from key2holidays shows that some prices are lower and represent significant price reductions on comparable holidays sold in 2007. Examples include:

Egypt prices are minus 4% plus 3 extra nights compared to last year 9-night holiday from £729 (May 2007) 12-night holiday from £700 (May 2008)

Bali prices are minus 6% compared to last year 7-night holiday from £939 (May 2007) 7-night holiday from £879 (May 2008)

Mauritius prices are minus 10% compared to last year 7-night holiday from £1,159 (May 2007) 7-night holiday from £1,030 (May 2008) 10%

South Africa prices are minus 3% plus 6 extra nights compared to last year 10-night holiday from £2,145 (May 2007) 16-night holiday from £2,115 (May 2008)

Matthew Rushbrooke, product manager, key2holidays commented: “We are finding that consumers are reluctant to let go of their summer getaway. Our expertise and close contacts with suppliers means that we are able to access and negotiate fantastic savings for our clients. Due to the credit crunch, suppliers are also offering even better value with free extras which means our clients can enjoy great value luxurious escapes without having to down-grade at all.”

Heading further afield beyond the Eurozone can offer major savings for many. Holidaymakers can jet off this summer and take advantage of the following special offers with key2holidays:

Cuba: Cultural Caribbean For Less

Cuba is the ideal Caribbean holiday for the whole family with superb beaches, an array of activities, culture and quality all-inclusive resorts offering excellent value. The “post-Castro” effect also make it a “must go” for 2008. A 10-night multicentre holiday combing relaxation on the beach with the exciting city of Havana is available from just £910 per adult and £499 per child including seven nights all-inclusive accommodation at the 4* Iberostar Alameda Varadero, three nights bed and breakfast accommodation at the 4* Telegrafo Havana, return scheduled flights, transfers and airport tax.

Egypt: Cruise the Nile and Stay In Style For Less

Egypt is particularly good value and offers an exciting five-star quality experience at significantly lower prices when compared to a similar standard product in the Mediterranean. Multicentre holidays including luxury cruises on the Nile offer the opportunity to explore some of the ancient wonders of the world in sumptuous style. A 12-night, deluxe multicentre holiday is available from just £1,225 per person including three nights bed and breakfast accommodation at the 5* Mena House Oberoi in Cairo, four nights full board on the 5* Oberoi Philae cruise , five nights bed and breakfast accommodation at the 5* Oberoi Sahi Hasheesh, return flights, transfers and UK departure tax.

Mauritius: Plush Tropical Paradise For Less

Take advantage of the massive 40 per cent discount being offered by the 4* Trou aux Biches. Situated on one of this paradise island’s best beaches facing a lagoon and just ten minutes from the stylish shops and nightlife of Grand Baie, guests stay in charming thatched villas scattered amongst tranquil, tropical gardens. A 7-night holiday is available from just £1,229 including half-board accommodation, a half-day sightseeing and shopping tour, return flights and transfers.

South Africa: Deluxe Safari and Sun Adventure For Less

Your holiday spending money goes much further this year in South Africa with the current exchange rate making Sterling even stronger against the Rand compared to 2007.

Properties are also including bonus extras such as free nights and meals so you have even more money in your holiday wallet.

A multicentre holiday here offers the opportunity to combine spotting amazing wildlife with chic Cape Town and the gourmet delights of the Winelands.

A 12-night multicentre holiday is available from just £1,645 per person including three nights full board staying in ensuite treetop tents in the prime ‘Big 5’ territory of the Kapama Private Game Reserve, four nights bed and breakfast accommodation at the 4* Belvidere Manor Knysna with a free bottle of wine on arrival and coffee table book, five nights bed and breakfast accommodation at the 4* Winchester Mansions Hotel which includes a free night and 120 Rand food voucher to be used at the hotel, return scheduled flights and transfers.

For further information on the holidays above, visit

www.key2holidays.co.uk

or call 020 7963 6697 to speak to a specialist consultant.

Delta Nonstop Salt Lake-Paris Flights

Delta Air Lines began daily nonstop service between Salt Lake City International Airport and Paris Charles de Gaulle International Airport.

The flights are part of Delta’s joint venture with SkyTeam partner Air France. In addition, Delta is adding other international service: from New York City’s John F. Kennedy International Airport, it has begun six new flights: nonstop to Georgetown, Guyana; direct to Cape Town, South Africa via Dakar, Senegal; nonstop to Cairo, Egypt; nonstop to Malaga, Spain; nonstop to Amman, Jordan, and nonstop to Antigua, Antigua and Barbuda.

It is also starting nonstop service Stockholm, Sweden June 3. And, with Air France, it has added a fourth daily flight between its Atlanta hub and Air France’s Paris hub. And, on July 17, Delta will begin nonstop service between Lyon and New York-JFK.

JetAirways, Etihad Partnership

India’s Jet Airways and Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, announced a new code-share agreement and network-wide reciprocal frequent-flyer partnership effective July 1, 2008, subject to regulatory approval.

With this agreement, Etihad Airways will place its two letter “EY” code on all Jet Airways’ daily flights between Delhi and Mumbai to Abu Dhabi.

 In turn, Jet Airways will place its ‘9W’ code on the daily services operated by Etihad Airways on the same routes as well as Etihad Airways operated services between Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram and Abu Dhabi.

The new code-share services will be available for sale effective June 16. Both airlines have also signed a reciprocal agreement to link their respective frequent-flyer programs.

Jet Airways’ JetPrivilege members will be able to earn and redeem miles on Etihad’s flights to 45 destinations in the Middle East, Europe, North America, Africa, Asia and Australia.

Similarly, those belonging to Etihad’s Guest program will be able to earn and redeem miles on Jet Airways’ 385 flights to 60 destinations in India and worldwide.

Goway Travel to Egypt

Goway Travel reports increasing demand for Egypt, with its Egypt-Land of the Pharaohs program drawing record numbers. One of Goway’s biggest sellers this year is the Mysteries & Magic of Egypt tour, a 15-day trip starting and ending in Cairo and including extensive sightseeing, a seven-night Nile Cruise and a visit to an oasis, with a starting price of $1,718.

A bonus offer of up to six free nights’ accommodation in a deluxe resort in the Red Sea town of Ein Sokhna is available. The traditional Classic Egypt tour includes Cairo sightseeing and four-night Nile Cruise. This nine-day tour is priced from $1,136 and offers the flexibility of adding extensions to Abu Simbel, Alexandria, Red Sea beach stays or a visit to Israel and Jordan. Easy add-ons are the five-day Jordan tour starting from $717 or the eight-day Holyland tour to Israel.

Some of the new programs being offered this year are the nine-day Highlights of Egypt and Israel tour that starts in Cairo and ends in Jerusalem and includes Cairo, Luxor, the Dead Sea, Massada, Qumran and Jerusalem. Another of the newly introduced tours is the 15-day Pyramids to Petra tour that starts in Cairo, ends in Amman and includes Cairo, Nile Cruise, Sinai, Red Sea, Petra and Amman all starting from $2,198.

AFRICAExperts is the exclusive division of Goway Travel that specializes in exciting safaris and vacations to this amazing continent.

For more information on these and other travel ideas, call 800-245-0920, email info@africaexperts.com or visit www.AFRICAExperts.com