Forget the wet weather and the impending dark evenings and pick up a copy of Panorama Holidays’ dedicated Egypt Brochure available now. Boosting 18 properties across 6 resorts, and including offers such as FREE child places and FREE group places in selected properties, Panorama Holidays, part of the Thomas Cook Group, can take you there from as little as €659 per person sharing. With flights departing direct from Dublin from December 2008 – October 2009, there’s no need to get caught in the Irish rain.

The land of the Pharaohs promises a royal welcome whether you want to explore the ancient sites of Luxor, dive in the Red Sea, take a cruise along the Nile, enjoy a four-wheel-drive desert exploration or a camel trek, discover the hidden treasures of Cairo or simply soak up the sun in one of the many beach resorts. If you can’t decide, choose one of Panorama’s Twin Centre Holidays, which offers the flexibility to get to know at least two of Egypt’s premier destinations. Let Panorama take the hassle out of your trip and stay in one of their seven all-inclusive properties.

Sharm el Sheikh……

Experience this fun-filled tourist centre on the coastline of one of the most famous reefs in the world. Fly there with Panorama Holidays for 7nights and avail of one of the many fantastic deals currently on offer. Stay at The Park Inn in Nabq from just €719per adult and €539 per child on an all-inclusive basis. Book now and avail of free child places!

Boasting beautiful palm fringed beaches, it is one of the world’s most extraordinary diving destinations, where you can snorkel or dive in an underwater playground of coral gardens, shipwrecks and azure blue waters. Life ashore is equally exciting and vibrant offering some of the Sinai Peninsula’s greatest sights, an array of international cuisine, golf courses and shopping with easy access to everything from market bazaars to air-conditioned designer boutiques.

 Naama Bay …..

Known for its stunning coral reefs, Egypt is a divers’ paradise for enthusiasts of all levels and even those who prefer to stay above the water level will be delighted with all there is on offer. Even a quick dip with a snorkel will reveal a frankly beautiful range of coral gardens and bright coloured fish. Easily accessible from Sharm el Sheikh, Naama Bay is somewhere well worth visiting. Let Panorama take you there from just €659 per adult and €539 per child for 7 nights B&B staying at the Hotel Kahramana. Free Child places are on offer but don’t delay as availability is limited.

Choose a twin-centre holiday…….

Because there’s so much to see in Egypt, it’s a great idea to choose a twin-centre holiday. Remember there’s no better way to experience the wonders of Egypt than to divide your time between two completely different destinations. While Sharm El Sheikh is a new resort offering top-class, modern accommodation, facilities and amenities, it is also steeped in antiquity, with the hauntingly beautiful, St Catherine’s monastery just a short ride inland. Twin that with a stay in the downtown Cairo, the 2,000 year old city filled with Arabian, Turkish, Ottoman, French and English influences, and you’re guaranteed the holiday of a lifetime. Just imagine the excitement of seeing Tutankhamen’s treasures and of haggling at the world famous Khan al-Khalili bazaar for souvenirs to take home. Imagine the crowds, the scents, the music, the noise and the tastes of Egypt. Intensify all of that and you’ve got Cairo in a nutshell.

So, if you want the exotic experience of a lifetime that combines luxury with value then pick up the Panorama Holidays Dedicated Egypt Brochure today and don’t delay your booking as Christmas & New Year places are already filling up. Early booking guarantees the best possible savings on your trip.

Prices include flights, accommodation, transfers, all airport charges & taxes and a 5% discount when you book online at www.panoramaholidays.ie.

For further information or to book your holiday visit the Thomas Cook banner ad above, because Panorama Holidays is part of The Thomas Cook Group, on 0818 20 20 20 or visit www.panoramaholidays.ie

Clients booking a Nile cruise will also benefit from a brand new Uniworld ship, the River Tosca. The luxurious vessel will cruise the Nile for the four new itineraries - Ancient Wonders of Egypt, Splendours of Egypt, Jewels of the Nile & Lake Nasser and The River Tosca Nile Cruise.

Nile cruise prices start from £2,025 per person for a 10 day Ancient Wonders of Egypt itinerary, which begins with a city tour of Cairo and a visit to the magnificent Pyramids, before flying down to Luxor where clients board the River Tosca. From here they will visit The Valley of the Kings before the four night cruise visits Dendera, Kom Ombo and finally Aswan. At Aswan clients disembark and take a short flight back to Cairo to conclude their trip with a visit to Alexandria before flying back to London Heathrow. Departures are available from mid April 2009 through to May 2010 and include VIP Home Departure Service, international flights, internal flights, transfers to and from ship, 5 nights hotel bed and breakfast accommodation, 4 nights full board cruise accommodation and a full range of shore excursions with an English-speaking guide.

Also new to the Elegant River Cruise brochure is an eight-day “Week on the River Douro” itinerary on board the Douro Queen, which costs from £1,245 per person. The Douro Queen is the most luxurious of any vessel to sail the Douro and is one of two itineraries available to clients. For 2009 customers will also be able to enjoy a range of new facilities on board the entire Uniworld fleet of ships, including al fresco dining on the deck and new satellite equipment that will greatly enhance internet services and provide Wi-Fi service in all public areas.

Welcoming the revamped Elegant River Cruises brochure and reassuring customers about the current economic situation, Hugh Clayson, Marketing Director for Connections commented: “Clients booking one of our river cruises can remain secure in the knowledge that Connections will continue its policy of no fuel surcharges whatsoever. Once the client has paid their deposit, we guarantee that the price of the holiday will remain no matter how much the price of oil should rise, which is a great comfort for many of our clients wishing to book well in advance, especially in this current uncertain economic climate”.

These new additions to the Elegant River Cruises brochure join a host of stunning voyages along Europe’s grandest and most scenic waterways, including the Rhone, the Rhine, the Douro and the legendary Danube. Every itinerary featured in the brochure is aboard a first-class river cruiser offering lavishly appointed, outside-facing staterooms (with en suite facilities), sumptuous cuisine, evening entertainment and all shore excursions included within the cost of the holiday.

Holiday prices lead in at £1,195 per person for the 10-day Tulips & Windmills cruise, which is timed to take in the incredible sight of the Dutch bulb fields at their springtime best. A particular highlight of this peaceful journey along rivers and canals is the visit to Keukenhof Gardens, a 70-acre showcase of literally millions of flowers in a breathtaking array of vibrant colours. The cruise operates from mid-March to mid-April, with the price including VIP Home Departure Service; flights; in-resort transfers; full-board accommodation on the elegant River Duchess, River Queen or River Empress; and admission to Keukenhof among various other shore excursions (with use of state-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio headsets that ensure passengers can clearly hear the tour guides’ commentaries, even in crowded places).

For details or to book call Connections on 0800 988 5860 or visit the dedicated website www.elegantrivercruises.co.uk

“In response to travel trends we saw developing in the escorted tour market,” said Melissa Famiglietti Snape, vice president of product, “we’ve developed four new tours that feature a rail component, including Eastern Rail Odyssey — which travels the eastern seaboard of the U.S. — and details the region’s fascinating history along the way; and Beautiful British Columbia which features the Rocky Mountaineer Train’s Fraser Discovery Route.

Four new programs were developed featuring U.S.-based destinations, fulfilling a demand for travel closer to home. Domestic travel is really surging, though there is still a strong demand for international destinations — especially to exotic places like Morocco and Jordan. Also, we’ve launched an all-Australia small group program this year, which affords travelers more time for in-depth exploration and discovery in one of our top destinations.”

 Daniel Sullivan Jr., president and CEO of Collette Vacations, emphasized India’s growth this year as well. “Last year, we launched our first program to visit India, and as the 2009 season takes off, more and more people want to go there; it’s really on the map now,” he said.

Sullivan also said Oberammergau, famous for its once-in-a-decade Passion Play, is being featured in five new European itineraries centered around the show. “It’s already selling incredibly well; the limited engagement of this historic event is one of the driving forces for customers in the coming travel season,” Sullivan said.

New Collette Vacations tours include Eastern Rail Odyssey, 8 days, 10 meal, starting at $2,149; Cruise the Bays & Railways of New England, 10 days, 16 meals, starting at $1,899; Colors of New England, 8 days, 10 meals, starting at $1,899; Historic Trains of California, 10 days, 14 meals, starting at $2,099; Beautiful British Columbia, 11 days, 15 meals, starting at $3,299; Coastal Ireland, 13 days, 18 meals, starting at $2,399; France and Bavaria, 10 days, 12 meals, starting at $2,049.

New Explorations by Collette tours Journey through Jordan & Egypt, 15 days, 24 meals, starting at $2,899; Treasures of Spain, 11 days, 17 meals, starting at $2,849;

Australian Adventure, 18 days, 23 meals, starting at $4,199. New Smithsonian Journeys Travel Adventures tours include Crossroads of Sicily, 11 days, 15 meals, starting at $2,299; Mediterranean Spain & Morocco, 13 days, 19 meals, starting at $3,449; Classical Turkey, 12 days, 19 meals, starting at $2,199.

To view itineraries and available departure dates, visit www.collettevacations.com

 The Socotra Excursion features a deluxe tour of Jordan and Egypt, Feb. 13 to 28, 2009. Highlights include visits to Amman, Petra, Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea, Cair, Aswan, Luxor and Karnak, as well as the Valley of the Kings. Levantine Adventure Tour, March 8 to 22, 2009, includes visits to Jordan, Syria and Lebanon, and several UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Follow the footsteps of Lawrence of Arabia, stand where Moses stood to see the Promised Land, visit the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world and visit one of the largest and best preserved Roman temples around. Prices start at $3,640 per person, double occupancy. Syria & Eastern Turkey, April 13 to 30, 2009, includes the sights of Syria, the Cradle of Civilization, from Damascus to Palmyra, to Aleppo and points in between.

 Continue on to Eastern Turkey where you will explore ancient sights nestled among the spectacular mountains, lakes and rivers, and high plateaus. We start on the coast of the Black Sea and work our way up to the higher plateaus, and along the way see history from pre- and post-Roman times, the Byzantines, and the influences of the Russians and Armenians. We will fly to Istanbul to spend our last few days of the tour exploring this vibrant and amazing city. Tour prices start at $3,970 per person, double occupancy, land only.

Other tours include Iran: Passage Through Persia, May 7 to 21, 2009, with prices starting at $3,185 per person, double occupancy, land only; Jordan and Syria, May 18 to June 2, 2009, with prices starting at $3,998 per person, double occupancy, land only; Jordan and Israel, Sept. 22 to Oct. 5, 2009, with prices starting at $3,680 per person, double occupancy, land only; and Iran: Susa Tour, Oct. 17 to Nov. 1, 2009, with prices starting at $3,845 per person, double occupancy, land only.

Caravan-Serai posts a blog at caravan-serai.blogspot.com about past tours, happenings, observations and feedback.

 For information, call 800-451-8097, email info@caravan-serai.com or visit www.caravan-serai.com

The exhibition, which will open with more than 100,000 tickets sold, features artifacts from the tomb of the celebrated pharaoh King Tutankhamun and other ancient sites representing 2,000 years of ancient Egyptian history. The exhibition in Atlanta is developed in partnership with the Michael C. Carlos Museum of Emory University. The touring exhibition is organized by National Geographic, Arts and Exhibitions International and AEG Exhibitions, with cooperation from Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities.

Northern Trust is the presenting sponsor of the tour, and American Airlines is the official airline. The exhibition features an audio tour and National Geographic video documentary, both narrated by award-winning actor, Harrison Ford. Proceeds from the tour will go toward antiquities preservation and conservation efforts in Egypt, including the construction of a new grand museum in Cairo.

To correspond with the King Tut exhibition at the Atlanta Civic Center, a slate of Egyptian-themed experiences and programming will take place throughout the city, including “Wonderful Things:

The Harry Burton Photographs and the Discovery of the Tomb of Tutankhamun” at the Michael C. Carlos Museum. On view Nov. 15, 2008, through May 25, 2009, this photography exhibition features 50 photographs taken by Harry Burton, the photographer who accompanied explorer Howard Carter on the Tutankhamun expedition and documented the moment-by-moment discovery of King Tut’s untouched tomb. Also during the exhibition run, Giant Screen Films will offer “Egypt 3D: Secrets of the Mummies,” a 22-minute 3D movie presented by Dolby 3D Digital Cinema that follows researchers and explorers as they piece together the archeological and genetic clues of Egyptian mummies.

The movie will show in a custom theater adjacent to the exhibition space every half-hour, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week.

Additionally, more than 100 businesses throughout the city are participating in a “Tutlanta” affinity card that comes with King Tut ticket purchases, entitling cardholders to more than $900 worth of Egyptian-themed offerings and discounts at participating locations.

A full listing of offers is available at www.Tutlanta.com  Tickets to the exhibition at the Atlanta Civic Center can be purchased for visits every day of the week, on the half-hour from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (galleries close at 7 p.m.). Single tickets range from $16.50 to $32.50 and are available at the exhibition box office, 877-TUT-TKTS or www.Ticketmaster.com.

Group tickets for 10 or more are available at 866-52-GROUP or www.kingtut.org

 Audio tours ($7) and tickets for “Egypt 3D: Secrets of the Mummies” ($5) can be added at the time of purchase or at the exhibition.

 In addition, clients can qualify for a 50 percent discount on the second person when sharing a twin occupancy cabin for Nov. 28 sailings. Or travelers in A or B cabins for tours departing Dec. 19 and 26 and Jan. 2 can have complimentary two nights in a five-star Cairo hotel and a full-day Cairo excursion.

The itineraries take place aboard the Harmony G and Harmony V. The itinerary takes through Egypt’s Red Sea to Sinai and Jordan.

The program departs Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh and gives guests the chance to visit Luxor. Guests also have the option to scuba dive in the Red Sea. Fares for the Red Sea Wonders program include daily American buffet breakfast and two meals daily, including special theme nights (Fisherman’s Night, Arabian Night and Barbeque Buffet); house wine and refreshments during meals; and an English-speaking Cruise Coordinator. The Red Sea Wonders 50 percent discount is valid for the second person sharing a twin occupancy cabin on Nov. 28 departures from Hurghada only. Port taxes are not included. The offer must be mentioned at time of booking.

The Cairo offer for departures Dec. 19 and 26 and Jan. 2 on the Harmony G includes two nights in deluxe five-star Cairo hotel pre-cruise (Dec. 19 and Dec. 26 departures) or post-cruise (Jan. 2 departures) with daily breakfast included; Christmas dinner at the hotel for passengers taking the Dec. 26 departure and a pre-cruise stay in Cairo; roundtrip flights between Hurghada to Cairo; roundtrip transfers in Hurghada from airport to embarkation port; roundtrip transfers in Cairo between airport and hotel; for A cabin bookings only, a full-day Cairo excursion. These offers are available for a limited number of passengers.

 For more information, call 800-319-7776 or visit www.varietycruises.com

The price includes four nights in a Cairo superior first-class hotel with breakfast daily, four nights on a deluxe Nile cruise with all meals on board, sightseeing, shore excursions and transfers.

Key Tours is also offering the nine-day Highlights of Israel tour from $1,089 per person, double occupancy. It’s an escorted tour visiting Tel Aviv, Masada, Dead Sea, Jerusalem, Jericho, Tiberias, Galilee, Golan Heights, Nazareth and Haifa.

The price includes seven nights accommodation at first-class or superior first-class hotels with breakfast daily, arrival and departure transfers, transportation by air-conditioned motor coach, and sightseeing including entrance fees as per detailed itinerary.

Prices are land only.

For information, call 800-576-1784

or visit www.keytours.com

INCLUDING SAVINGS OF UP TO £500 PP ON WINTER DEPARTURES

Valid for holidays departing until 31 May 2009

Leading UK Tour Operator, Thomson Worldwide, has launched the new Thomson Worldwide Value Collection for Winter 2008/2009. Offering a selection of flexible holiday options, hotels and tours across each of the Africa, Asia & Arabian Gulf, America & Canada and Caribbean & Indian Ocean programmes, the Value Collection presents the savvy traveller with peak time offers at low season prices and fantastic deals including:

room upgrades, free night offers, 2 weeks for the price of 1, early booking offers, flexible flying, flights from regional airports and complimentary extras including spa treatments, meals, city tours, fuel and children’s accommodation.

Choose from:

• BLISSFUL BEACHES….
 Dubai: 5 nights from only £699
 Thailand: 10 nights from only £949
 Antigua: 7 nights from only £999
 Maldives: 10 nights from only £999
 Mauritius: 14 nights from only £1159
 Bali: 12 nights from only £1299

• TOURS WITH A TWIST….
 Images of the Nile cruise from only £599
 Images of India tour from only £869
 Classic Ceylon tour from only £999
 Images of China tour from only £1199

• SAFARI ADVENTURES…
 Classic Kenya safari from only £1229

• CITY SKYLINES….
 Las Vegas: 4 nights for the price of 3 from £529
 Los Angeles: 4 nights for the price of 3 from £579
 Boston: 3 nights for the price of 2 from £599
 Toronto: 4 nights for the price of 3 from £659
 New York: 4 nights for the price of 3 from £899
 Vancouver: Save 10% and receive a free room upgrade

 • MULTI-CENTRE MIXES…
 Nile Cruise and Sharm El Sheikh from £949
 Bangkok and Phuket from £949
 Dubai and Maldives from £1279
 Kenya Safari and Mombassa from £1749

Thomson Worldwide is renowned for its exceptional standards and quality of service and the Worldwide Value brochure showcases some of the best selling holiday offers around the world.

For Bookings and Information Contact Thomson Worldwide on 0871 230 2770
or visit www.thomsonworldwide.com

Ports of call include Argostoli, Greece; Heraklion, Crete; Ashdod, Israel; Port Said, Egypt; Nauplia, Greece; and Naples, Italy. This is the first time Costa is offering routes with a call in Israel since 2001.

“We all know very well that travelers these days want to embark on vacations that are more meaningful and more valuable than ever before,” said Maurice Zarmati, president and CEO of Costa Cruise Lines-North America.

 “Our guests have long told us how much they would like for us to return to Israel on our Eastern Mediterranean voyages and we’re thrilled to do just that on this outstanding 11-night sailing at an unbeatable price.”

Programme Now Available

Don’t leave the weather to chance in 2009! Sunworld Holidays, part of Thomas Cook Holidays Ireland, is launching its Summersun 2009 programme. Voted Best Sun Holiday Tour Operator for the 5th year in a row, Sunworld has introduced nine exciting new destinations to its Summersun programme including Tenerife, Tunisia, Madeira, Egypt, Salou, Zakynthos, Crete, Cyprus & Ibiza.

With flights direct from Dublin and Cork, Sunworld is also offering the opportunity to save up to €100 per couple on selected properties on selected dates. Free child places and free group places are also available in selected properties.

BALEARIC ISLANDS

New to Sunworld’s programme is the Balearic Island of Ibiza… a fun and fragrant island, Ibiza offers a laid-back attitude and provides long lovely beaches that are ideal for soaking up that Mediterranean sunshine. Sunworld is offering selected high standard accommodations situated along the coastline and sandy bays of Ibiza from €419 per adult and €355 per child. Firm favourites with holidaymakers, Majorca and Menorca are not to be forgotten with their blue skies, crystal clear seas and picturesque villages. Prices for Majorca start from €369 per adult and €269 per child while Menorca is available from €419 per adult and €269 per child.

TENERIFE

 Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands has an array of facilities, activities and sights and is also new to Sunworld’s Summersun programme. There will always be something to enjoy whether it’s relaxing on the sandy beaches and in the warm seas or getting active with the many water and land sports Tenerife has to offer. A perfect choice for families and couples the Oasis Golf resort in Playa De Las Americas is on sale now at €519 per adult and €399 per child.

MADEIRA
With its lush tropical landscape and rich volcanic soil Madeira is aptly known as “the floating garden”. An enchanting all year round destination, Madeira offers relaxing walks, leisurely lunches of tasty fresh seafood and a natural and botanical beauty that must be seen. There is also a wide variety of low key entertainment with many hotels hosting music, cabarets and live entertainment for guests. The well maintained Dorisol Florasol apartments are ideally situated in Funchal’s lively Lido area and offer a great base for exploring Madeira. Sunworld is offering prices from €619 per adult and €599 per child.

CYPRUS
A fascinating holiday destination soaked in romantic history, Cyprus is one of the world’s best getaways. Steeped in history the island has archaeological credentials that have earned it its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Across the east side of the island are some of the finest beaches in Cyprus with the resorts of Protaras and Ayia Napa offering families and party animals alike activities suitable for all to enjoy. The Melini Apartments are right on the doorstep of Protaras with the sands of Fig Tree Bay close by. With prices from €549 per adult and €459 per child. Cyprus is a destination that has been a hub of activity for an incredible ten thousand years with no intention of stopping in the near future!

 EGYPT

This mystical land of pyramids and ancient treasures is the perfect getaway to experience spectacular snorkeling, vibrant shopping and historic tales of pharaohs! Naama Bay is a bustling town with a host of modern amenities with many of the resorts having their own private section of beach and varied entertainment. The four star Marriott Beach Resort is set on an attractive promenade along Naama Bay and boasts a beachfront location. Prices start from €739 per person sharing based on bed and breakfast at the resort.

TUNISIA
Journey into the Sahara Desert or dive into the depths of the Meditteranean with a holiday to Tunisia this summer! The Hotel Royal Kenz in Port El Kantaoui has an enviable location close to the marina and just 100m from the beach. With an impressive range of facilities including bars, restaurants, pretty gardens and an extensive pool area this hotel is available half board from just €549 per person with Sunworld Holidays.

Prices are for 7 nights and include flights, transfers, accommodation and all taxes. Holidays are subject to availability. Sunworld is part of Thomas Cook Holidays Ireland, part of the worlds oldest and largest holiday company which means you can relax in the knowledge that your holiday with Sunworld is safe and secure and fully bonded.

For more information on all of the fantastic holiday destinations featured by Sunworld Holidays pick up a copy of the new Summersun 2009, the Turkey, Greece & Cyprus and the new Portugal & Madeira brochures today.

To request a brochure or to book call now on 0818 200 400 or call into your local travel agent,

or visit www.sunworld.ie