Cadogan Holidays is offering all customers who book a trip to Tunisia in October the chance to experience the traditional desert-way of life, by learning how to ride a camel.

Customers will be given a three-hour private lesson, teaching them the best way to control a camel and communicate with these notoriously stubborn animals, as well as learning the Arabic terms for the camel gear. Cadogan’s expert instructor will also explain how to care for the camels and teach guests about survival in a desert setting. By then end of the lesson, Cadogan Holidays hopes all customers will be camel riding-enthusiasts able to ride confidently on their own and without the need for a guide to lead them.

The 3 hour camel-riding excursion is priced at £26 per person, including transportation and local instructor.

Sample package:
7 nights at the four star Hotel Le Sultan, Hammamet. From £967.00 per person based on two adults sharing a twin room with seaview on a half board basis. Includes return flights with British Airways from London Gatwick airport and return private transfers.
(Price based on October departures).

Reservations: 0845 615 6793
www.cadoganholidays.com

For a golfing holiday that is way above par, chip off to Tunisia for a couple of rounds on the brand new Residence Golf Course.

The ideal place for a weekend on the fairways; the year-round temperate climate makes Tunisia a superb golfing destination. Tunis is only a two and a half hour flight from London - it takes longer to cover 18-holes than it does to fly there.

The spectacular five-star hotel The Residence, will be home to Tunisia’s 10th 18-hole golf course. Opening fully on 20th October 2008 the course is set in an idyllic spot between the Mediterranean Sea and a picturesque salt lake. Located just ten minutes from the ancient sites of Carthage and 15 minutes from the vibrant city of Tunis, The Residence is the perfect base for a leisurely holiday or a mini-break.
(www.theresidence.com/tunis).

Tunisia’s oldest golf course, Golf De Carthage is situated nearby. A well established green strewn with pine, palm, olive and orange trees make it a challenging yet enjoyable course (www.golfcarthage.com/english).

The Gulf of Hammamet has something to offer everyone, from the luxurious resorts and restaurants of Yasmine Hammamet to the bustling medinas and street life of Sousse. The bay also boasts a number of glorious greens.

El Kantaoui Golf Course offers two hillside 18-hole courses; The ‘Sea Course’ which extends from the beach to the hill and the ‘Panorama Course’ which starts on the hill and winds its way through the residential district of the Port El Kantaou. (www.kantaouigolfcourse.com.tn) In Hammmamet Golf Citrus is home to a further two 18-hole courses (www.golfcitrus.com) adjacent to which lies the more intimate Yasmine Golf Course (www.golfyasmine.com).
An additional two courses can be found in Monastir; Flamingo Golf Course (www.golfflamingo.com) and Palm Links Golf Course (www.golf-palmlinks.com) which is perfect for beginners.

Located in the Tunisian desert, the oasis town of Tozeur is home to the exotic Oasis Course offering 18-holes amidst striking desert scenery www.tozeuroasisgolf.com.

Stretching between sea and forest on Tunisia’s northern Coral Coast is Tabarka Golf course (http://www.tabarkagolf.com/en/index.htm), idyllically situated for taking in the scenic landscapes whilst enjoying a round.

Tunisia’s southern most golf course can be found on the artisan island of Djerba. Djerba Golf Course overlooks the Mediterranean and consists of three nine-hole courses which wind through date palms and around sand dunes
(www.djerbagolf.com).

More golf courses are being developed in Tunisia, with five planned to open in the next few years.

For more information on Tunisia’s golf courses or for a full list of tour operators and golf tour specialists go to www.cometotunisia.co.uk

Discover a unique Italian-influenced Christmas experience at sea with Costa Cruises

Do you dream of a Christmas where there’s no washing up, no cold leftovers and no endless repeats on the TV? Why not let Costa Cruises turn your dream into reality with its exciting Christmas programme of Mediterranean and United Arab Emirates cruises?

Across the 12 strong fleet, Costa Cruises’ onboard festivities begin on Christmas Eve with a traditional continental Christmas Eve feast and celebration, followed by midnight mass. On Christmas Day you’ll be served a sumptuous turkey lunch with all the trimmings, followed by festive activities including carol singing around the piano, a visit from Santa and a Christmas trivia quiz.

Costa Cruises has something for everyone. Whether your idea of bliss is being pampered in the spa, soaking up some winter sun or exploring exotic destinations on a wide choice of shore excursions, Costa Cruises can provide it. Family cabins are available so loved ones can stay close together and couples can treat themselves to a luxury Samsara Cabin with direct access to the rejuvenating Samsara Spa onboard the newest ships Costa Concordia and Costa Serena.

Escape the same old Christmas regime this year and float away to a luxurious adventure on the high seas!

Costa Concordia – Tunisia, Malta & Greece
Eight nights – from only £699 per person

Relax onboard the majestic Costa Concordia and enjoy the festive fun of a Mediterranean cruise. Departing from Civitavecchia, the port for Rome, you’ll cruise to Savona before spending Christmas Eve picking up some last minute presents in the souks of Tunis. Christmas Day is spent in the delightful town of La Valetta in Malta, then cruise onwards to the ancient sights of Katakolon/Olympia and the peaceful charm of Corfu, before returning to the Italian waters of Civitavecchia.
Departs Civitavecchia/Rome, Italy, on 21 December 2008

Prices start at £699 per person, based on two adults sharing an inside cabin, cruise-only for eight nights, including all meals. For more information or to book go to www.costacruises.co.uk or call 0845 351 0552.

Costa Serena – Spain & Portugal
Eight nights – from only £439 per person

Set sail from Savona to some of the most beautiful cities on the Spanish coast, complemented by a visit to the vibrant country of Portugal. The first ports of call are Malaga and Cadiz, both strong favourites with holidaymakers in the Andalusian region of Spain. The Costa Serena will then reach the charming city of Lisbon, the rock of Gibraltar and the historic sights of Alicante. Christmas Day is spent in the stylish and sizzling city of Barcelona, before cruising back to Savona to arrive on Boxing Day.
Departs Savona, Italy, on 18 December 2008
Prices start at £439 per person, based on two adults sharing an inside cabin, cruise-only for eight nights, including all meals. For more information or to book go to www.costacruises.co.uk or call 0845 351 0552.

Costa Marina – Spain, Morocco, Canary Islands & Madeira
14 nights – from only £809 per person

Escape the winter weather for the year-round sunshine of Morocco and the Canary Islands. Departing from Savona, you’ll have the opportunity to stroll along Las Ramblas in Barcelona, explore the exotic streets of Casablanca and discover the beautiful Moroccan beaches of Agadir. Sunshine and warm temperatures should greet you in on the Canary Islands of Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, Gomera and Tenerife, then cruise on to the tranquil island of Madeira. Your Christmas Eve will be spent in the tourist hotspot of Malaga and the Christmas Day festivities are held at sea as you’re sailing to Marseille for Boxing Day. Cruise back to Italy and depart the ship in Savona.
Departs Savona, Italy, on 14 December 2008

Prices start at £809 per person, based on two adults sharing an inside cabin, cruise-only for 14 nights, including all meals.

Costa Victoria – Dubai, Oman, United Arab Emirates & Bahrain
Seven nights – from only £569 per person

Explore the wonders of the Middle East from the glamorous metropolis of Dubai. Costa Cruises was the first cruise line from Dubai and still leads the industry with a strong itinerary that includes stops at the captivating Sultanate of Oman and the undeveloped emirate of Fujairah. Christmas Day is spent in Abu Dhabi, a place where modern living blends with culture and tradition, then cruise onwards to the glamour and opulence of Bahrain. The Costa Victoria is docked in Dubai for a night either side of your stay, becoming a floating hotel from where you begin and end your Arabian adventure.

Departs Dubai, UAE, on 20 December 2008

Prices start at £569 per person, based on two adults sharing an inside cabin, cruise-only for seven nights, including all meals. For more information or to book go to www.costacruises.co.uk  or call 0845 351 0552.

Costa Cruises has 60 years of cruise expertise to make your dream Christmas cruise sparkle.

From Holiday Options

Holiday Options has launched its 2009 ‘Mediterranean & Atlantic Islands’
brochure – featuring Sardinia, Sicily, Corsica, Port Santo, Madeira, The
Azores, La Gomera and Cape Verde – and offering a wealth of new ideas and deals

There’s expansion in Corsica, with chambres d’hotes – often part of a family home - making their debut. An ideal way for visitors to experience rural life on the island, these village rooms are on offer in the Patrimonio and Porto Vecchio areas and are all inspected and licensed by local tourist boards.

Prices start at the twin share rate of £715 per person inclusive of return flights from Gatwick and half-board accommodation. Car hire can be arranged on request and flights are also available from Birmingham, Edinburgh and Manchester.

Other additions in Corsica include villas with pools, new hotels – including a former Franciscan monastery in Calvi – and a ‘Great Scenic Rail Adventure’ travelling through the mountains from Bastia to Ajaccio.

Further new ideas in the 2009 programme include:

• Madeira – ‘The Family Experience’ with ‘soft’ adventure and whale watching
• The Azores – short breaks in Ponta Delgada and/or Furnas, plus two UNESCO World Heritage Hotels
• Cape Verde - direct flights from Birmingham to Sal, plus a family-run boutique-style guesthouse on Boa Vista
• Sicily – the island of Pantelleria, plus more three-star hotels in Taormina and Giardini Naxos
• Sardinia – new flight from Edinburgh to Olbia
• The Canaries – the introduction of Tenerife

Prices in the brochure, valid between November 2008 and October 2009, lead in at £399 per person for seven nights at the Hotel San Marco in Sardinia inclusive of return flights from Gatwick, transfers and accommodation with breakfast.

Early booking incentives, for reservations made by 30 April 2009, include savings of up to £800 per couple on 14-night holidays on selected dates at the four-star Relais and Chateaux Grand Hotel de Cala Rossa on Corsica.

ATOL-bonded Holiday Options also offers the option of flexible holiday durations from three nights upwards, utilising a choice of airlines including scheduled, low-cost, as well as their own charters.

Reservations: 0844 477 0452, www.holidayoptions.co.uk

Bales Worldwide is introducing a raft of new options for its Egypt, Morocco and Arabia programme for 2009/10, including the addition of the Musk, the operator’s fourth dahabiyya on the Nile, new boutique hotels in Tripoli and Cairo, and an increased focus on walking holidays in Jordan. The programme includes 18 escorted holidays and countless independent travel choices to Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Libya, Iran and Uzbekistan, with prices starting £995 for the 11 day ‘Wonders of Ancient Egypt’ itinerary.

THE NILE IN STYLE – A HOST OF CRUISING OPTIONS

Bales Worldwide offers now offers the widest range of luxury Nile cruise options, with a total of 12 different cruise boats featured from the traditional dahabiyya experiences, to the Movenpick Royal Lily Nile cruise ship. Due to a change in flight scheduling, Bales can now also offer a shorter 8 day holiday option featuring the Nile Cruise only.

Bales continues to be one of the few UK tour operators to offer the dahabiyya Nile cruise experience. The company is adding a fourth vessel for 2009/10, as the Musk joins the Nesma, the Zahra and the Amber. The dahabiyyas (19th century style wooden crafted river sailing vessels) revive the elegant days when aristocrats and sophisticated travellers cruised the Nile. All vessels are fitted out in colonial style with oriental and Egyptian touches and each of the six cabins has its own individual decoration. The dahabiyyas are now available on a choice of two itineraries – the original 12 day ‘Nostalgic Nile’ holiday (from £1,595 per person), and a shorter 8 day cruise only holiday (from £1,345 per person). The former includes three days in Cairo staying at the Mena House Oberoi Hotel, before embarking at Luxor or Aswan for a leisurely seven day cruise. The vessel stops at private moorings, away from the larger towns, as well as calling in at little visited Nile islands.

Other outstanding cruise options on offer include a 4 night cruise on the Oberoi Philae, which is perfect for those with limited time, a new cruise aboard the luxurious Movenpick Royal Lily and an itinerary that includes time aboard the luxurious Sonesta St. George I cruise ship.

The new 8 day ‘Egyptian Encounters’ (from £1,325 per person) itinerary combines a cruise on the Sonesta St. George I cruise ship with the opulent comforts of the Four Seasons Hotel Cairo. The Sonesta is one of the Nile’s newest boats and this exquisite vessel offers just 49 cabins and 10 suites, as well as the finest in interiors and amenities. The holiday starts with 3 nights in Cairo before you head off for 4 nights cruising along the river.

VILLA BELLE EPOQUE OPENS IN CAIRO

Bales is among the first UK operators to offer the Villa Belle Epoque as part of its tailor made options. Set to be Cairo’s first truly boutique hotel, the Villa Belle Epoque is due to open in early 2009. This 1920’s house is located in the Maadi suburb, set among a garden of date palms and fruit trees, and has been tastefully converted into a 13 bedroom hotel. Relax by the inviting swimming pool, sip a cool drink on your private balcony and soak up the ambience. This is the perfect place to stay for a few days before heading off for a dahabiyya cruise along the Nile.

TREKKING IN JORDAN

Jordan is an incredibly diverse country and Bales is now offering 5 different itineraries that explore its unrivalled splendour – including a number of trekking options. The 8 day ‘Active Jordan’ trip (from £1,795 per person) includes two treks, as well as several guided walking tours. Explore the vibrant capital of Amman on foot, take in Dana Nature reserve on a 15km hike through some of the most beautiful and spectacular scenery in Jordan, and follow a 10km ancient trail traversing the rocky ledges of the Sharah Mountains, to the site of Petra’s spectacular monastery.

Bales’ tailor made options in the country, include the chance to experience truly unique accommodation in the beautiful lunar landscape of the Wadi Rum region - in the form of Desert Camp Wadi Rum. This private camp affords a nomadic experience camping in dome style tents (or out under the stars if you would prefer), with a communal Bedouin tent for dining and entertainment, and delicious, traditional food cooked over hot coals. This really is Jordan with a difference and prices start from £195 per night based on 2 passengers travelling.

BOUTIQUE LIBYA

Bales’ 8 day ‘Images of Libya’ itinerary (from £1,495 per person) now includes time at the brand new El-Khan hotel in Tripoli. The hotel, which is due to open at the end of 2008, aims to be Tripoli’s first boutique hotel. Bales Worldwide is one of very few UK operators who will be offering this stylish, characterful retreat. The Images of Libya holiday kicks off with a night at the El-Khan and the opportunity to enjoy an evening meal with a local family in Tripoli, before you head off to explore the endless vistas of the Sahara and the spectacular ruins of the ancient ‘Pentapolis’ cities. Day 6 sees you return to El-Khan for 2 nights, with sightseeing at the National Museum, time to explore the old souk and a day at the utterly breathtaking, UNESCO Heritage site of Leptis Magna.

For a copy of the new brochure or for reservations please call 0845 057 0600

or look online at www.balesworldwide.com

ACE Study Tours Launches ACE Cultural Cruises - Luxury Cultural Cruises Travel In Style And Be Cultured

ACE Study Tours is launching ACE Cultural Cruises - exclusive cultural cruises abroad luxury, boutique style small ships for up to 40 passengers

Whether it’s navigating the Nile in a traditional two-masted sailing yacht, taking tips from head chef Thierry as he prepares feasts using fresh local Provencal ingredients, or diving from the yacht’s stern directly into the Aegean sea, ACE Cultural Cruises is offering a totally different cruise experience.

Catering for between 16 and 40 guests with a passenger to crew ratio often as small as two to one, ACE will be setting sail aboard luxury, small ship cruises. Drawing on 50 years of expertise, ACE Cultural Cruises is being launched by leading accompanied tour operator ACE Study Tours.

Using sail cruises or large yachts, these more intimate boats provide all the joys of cruising whilst making the holiday a much more personal experience. The modest size of the boats allows them to navigate shallow waters and tie up at private moorings inaccessible to typical cruise ships.

Led by experts, each cruise unravels a region’s history, art, architecture, archaeology, wildlife and even its music. The cruises are led by specialists in the field, such as Emmy award winning Humphrey Burton, one of Britain’s most distinguished television directors and music commentators.

Using small ships, guests can choose from:

• Ancient Egypt and The Nile
• Classical North Africa
• The Aegean
• Cyclades
• Scottish Highlands & Islands
• Provence & The Camargue

For reservations please call 01223 835055 or visit www.aceculturalcruises.co.uk

North Africa’s smallest nation, Tunisia, may be mightily overshadowed by near neighbours Morocco and Egypt in the current property press; however the country is set to make a big impact.

North Africa’s smallest nation, Tunisia, may be mightily overshadowed by near neighbours Morocco and Egypt in the current property press; however the country is set to make a big impact. Property prices are low, even as low as Morocco was five years ago, and the bonus is that unlike some far-flung destinations a property in Tunisia is both a good investment as well as being close enough, just three hours direct from London, to actually hop on a plane and enjoy.

Tunisia lies directly south of Italy’s Sardinia and, thanks to a sharp right-angle turn on its Mediterranean-facing shoreline, has 1,400km of coastline to enjoy. The sandy beaches front an impressive infrastructure of luxurious hotels, modern international airports, chic boutiques and jet-set marinas whilst the barren south has long-been the chosen setting for blockbusting films including Star Wars, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Monty Python’s Life of Brian and Minghella’s The English Patient. These assets, together with its strategic location, have propelled the nation on to the global stage and attracted considerable foreign investment, particularly from the Middle East.

As tourism becomes more important, leisure facilities are springing up at a significant rate, particularly around the honeypot resorts of Hammamet and Monastir, and Tunisia now boasts six golf courses, two of which have 27-holes, international diving centres and plenty of yachting clubs. Two significant projects currently underway, Mediterranean Gate ‘Century’ City and Tunis Sports City, both funded by Dubai investment at 25 billion USD and 5 billion USD respectively, will bring further golf courses and marinas, world-class sporting academies, Olympic grade facilities, business and leisure hubs as well as thousands of residential units and hotel beds.

With so much to offer and a decades-old tourism industry, why isn’t Tunisia a regular on the international property market? Samuel Mond, GEM Estate’s Tunisia Expert explains, “The Government prevented foreigners from participating in Tunisian property until national home ownership was as high as 80%, that’s higher than even the UK. The rationale was to stop foreigners pricing the locals out of their own market. Now this has been achieved some, although not all, nationalities are welcome to purchase and the bonus is that the affluent home-owning Tunisians can now form part of an exit strategy. Similarly, with the purchasing power to take regular holidays within their own country, Tunisians, plus neighbouring Algerians, will also boost rental occupancy.”

For The Dunes Golf & Spa Resort, gross rental yields have been forecasted as high as 14% per annum, and a combination of factors from location to facilities make this possible. Set midway between two of Tunisia’s busiest airports, Hammamet and Monastir, this beachside development is also on the doorstep of Tunisia’s most exclusive purpose-built marina resort, Port El Kantaoui, complete with two 18-hole golf courses. This sets the tone for what’s in store at The Dunes Golf & Spa Resort.

Comprising studios, one two and three bedroom apartments, The Dunes Golf & Spa Resort fronts wedding-white sandy beaches and has five star on-site facilities to include a Thalasso Spa centre with indoor swimming pool, sauna, gymnasium, Turkish baths and massage and treatment rooms. Or perhaps you’d prefer your massage al-fresco on the private beach exclusively for residents. Fully gated, The Dunes Golf & Spa Resort offers 24-hour security plus concierge, restaurant, snack bar, convenience store, bank and bakery. The on-site rental management company will help to maximize those rental yields charging a nominal 10% fee.

The freehold properties themselves are finished to top European standards with Italian-style kitchen with appliances, pre-installation for air-conditioning, fine Tunisian marble flooring and satellite television with over 5,000 channels. Two outdoor pools, one suitable for children, a poolside cabana bar, whirlpool Jacuzzi and underground parking complete the offer. Laundry and cleaning services are available for as little as one euro per hour whilst a showflat is in place ready for viewing.

Off-site owners at The Dunes Golf & Spa Resort can avail themselves of a 20% discount at Port El Kantaoui’s golf courses whilst watersports from diving to fishing and boat excursions are available in the year-round sunshine. Many restaurants offering local and international cuisine, traditional and Medina shopping plus water and theme parks as well as camel and horse riding are all very accessible.

Prices at The Dunes Golf & Spa Resort start from 25,990 euros for a studio apartment and payment terms are 3,000 reservation, 50% on contract and 50% on completion scheduled for January 2011.

While buying a property in Tunisia may not be the obvious choice, expect nothing short of positive global headlines and economic fortune from Tunisia over the coming years, and your investment will be rewarded in spades.

Contact GEM Estates on info@gem-estates.com  visit http://www.gem-estates.com  or call UK Freephone 0800 036 0068, Irish Freephone 1800 211 462 or call the Spanish office on 00 34 952 799 286.

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).

Dollar Rent A Car and Thrifty Car Rental, subsidiaries of Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, Inc., are kicking off a new frequent-flyer partnership with the Emirates Skywards program.

They are publicizing the new relationship by offering 1,000 bonus miles on rentals of any car type rented for three days or longer.

The bonus offer is available through Dec. 31, when consumers make an advance reservation using promotional code EK1K. The 1,000 bonus miles are in addition to the regular award structures of Emirates.

For more information, visit www.dtag.com

Libya is being touted as the ultimate long weekend break by specialist operator Kirker Holidays.

The country is being featured in a new North Africa brochure with four-night escorted tours starting at £1,123 per person.

The trip takes in Tripoli, Sabratha and the Roman site of Leptis Magna. The tour includes a specialist tour lecturer, flights, transfers and four nights’ accommodation with breakfast.

The 24-page brochure also includes tailor-made holidays to Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt.

A five-night itinerary to Egypt, where a combination of Cairo and Luxor, including guided tours of the Egyptian Museum and the Pyramids in Giza, leads in at £1,295