Find your reason to love North Africa on Egypt holidays

June 7, 2010

School’s out, the summer holidays begin and we start dreaming of our ideal holiday. Well, if you’re looking for a time to relax, put your feet up and enjoy the comfortable surroundings then look no further than Egypt. Egypt holidays have become hugely popular and just one visit to the country will be enough to explain why.

Great food, affordable prices and a fantastic climate combine to create an experience you are unlikely to forget.

Having said that, we all know that planning a holiday can be a chore that nobody looks forward to doing it. The thing is, with a huge number of late deals available, you need not worry about planning months in advance. Egypt boasts a number of fantastic resorts and holidays to Sharm El Sheikh have become hugely popular in recent years. Sharm El Sheikh, located on the coast of the Red Sea, has an international reputation as one of the world’s most extraordinary diving destinations and offers miles of white sandy beaches.

All inclusive holidays to Sharm El Sheikh are available among a number of options for visitors. Prices are very reasonable and many hotels offer tours, entertainment and a host of activities for all ages, shapes and sizes. Sharm El Sheikh is one of the most popular resorts in Egypt and is certainly a hot spot in the summer months. However, those looking for a chance to break away from a bustling atmosphere can opt for one of the many other resorts that hug the Red Sea. The resort is based on the northern tip of the Red Sea Riviera and overlooks Jordan, Israel and Saudi Arabia.

Water sports lovers look no further than Hurghada. The once small fishing town has become the place to be for water-based activities. Whether you fancy a dabble at windsurfing, a dive among the reefs or simply a spot of fishing, this resort won’t let you down.

Other than sports, the destination also boasts an impressive night life. The locals believe this resort comes to life after dark, and, given the wide variety of bars and the affordable drinks prices, it’s easy to envisage an all night party all over the town. Having said that, holidays to Hurghada are not solely aimed at the party animals - the resort also offers a number of secluded beaches that are popular among families and couples.

Taba is another town for avid holidaymakers. The resort shares a southern border with Israel and certainly is one of the less commercial resorts around the Red Sea. With its own unique little culture, holidays to Taba are becoming ever present. Food is life and this town is a great place to sample traditional north African cuisine. Fresh herbs and spices can be found around the markets so eating out is not a necessity for those wishing to have a go at creating their own Egyptian dishes.

There are a million reasons why people love Egypt, each carrying their own story, but until you’ve been there, you won’t know which reason is yours. It could be one, two, or up to a million.

New Year in style on the River Nile

November 14, 2008

Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind?

In the case of Ancient Egypt - certainly not, it’s full of fantastic finds.

Welcome 2009 from Pharoah-way on a seven-night River Nile cruise, travelling in four-star comfort amid the fascinating sites of this historic land. Heighten the New Year cheer at a lavish on-board gala dinner and enjoy a private evening reception at the awe-inspiring Luxor Temple, where staff in pharaonic uniform serve cocktails against an illuminated avenue of sphinxes to traditional Egyptian takht music.

This unforgettable experience costs £549 pp (two sharing) including return flights (Gatwick) and taxes, all transportation, full board on the cruise vessel, a sightseeing itinerary and the services of guides and local representatives. Optional excursions available (additional cost). Departs 29 December.

Call Voyages Jules Verne on 0845 166 7035 (www.vjv.com).

Lake Nasser Holiday

November 4, 2008

Situated at the remote southern end of the Egyptian Nile, Lake Nasser is dotted with ancient temples and hilltop forts only accessible by boat. Explore’s eight-day tour includes a five-day cruise across the Lake, with stops on sand dunes for swimming, trekking and even fishing, plus Luxor, the temple of Abu Simbel and the Valley of the Kings.

Departing 17 November, it costs from £1,129 pp including flights (Heathrow - regional connections available), transfers, seven nights’ B&B (three hotel, four boat), nine other meals and the services of a tour leader. Visit www.explore.co.uk or Call Explore on 0844 499 0901.

Luxury Nile Cruise from £1,198 pp with Voyages Jules Verne

September 12, 2008

Raise a royal toast aboard SS Misr, formerly the property of the King of Egypt and now regally restored thanks to a unique project initiated by Voyages Jules Verne.  Offering one of the most opulent cruising experiences on the River Nile, this five-star deluxe propeller steam vessel navigates ancient niches and explores archaeological wonders such as the temple of Sobek and Haroeris, the Valley of the Kings and the Colossi of Memnon on an itinerary that also includes an afternoon felucca ride and private evening reception at the illuminated Luxor Temple.

‘A Royal Steamer Restored’ costs from £1,198 pp (two sharing) during December – with Christmas & New Year departures still available. Price includes return flights (Gatwick), UK departure and overseas airport taxes, transfers, seven nights’ full board accommodation, a sightseeing itinerary and the services of guides and local representatives. An optional excursion to Abu Simbel is also available (additional cost). Call Voyages Jules Verne on 0845 166 7035 (www.vjv.com).

Style on the River Nile with Voyages Jules Verne

July 5, 2008

Formerly the property of the King of Egypt, the SS Misr transcends luxury, offering perhaps the most opulent cruising experience on the River Nile. This five-star deluxe propeller steam vessel navigates ancient waterways and explores archaeological wonders such as the temple of Sobek and Haroeris, the Valley of the Kings and the Colossi of Memnon as well as offering an afternoon felucca ride and private evening reception at the illuminated Luxor Temple.

Departing 29 September, the ‘A Royal Steamer Restored’ tour costs from £1,198 pp (two sharing) including return flights (Gatwick), airport taxes, transfers, seven nights’ full board accommodation, itinerary as described and the services of guides and local representatives. An optional excursion to Abu Simbel is also available (additional cost).

Call Voyages Jules Verne on 0845 166 7035 or visit www.vjv.com.