|
|
| Explore — Worldwide 2008/09 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Page Text Content
EYGPT & THE MIDDLE EAST
EGYPT
The Nile by Riverboat
Our Nile riverboat, M/S Doma, offers a combination of the style and comfort you would normally associate with a large cruise ship, with the relaxed and intimate atmosphere of a smaller vessel. Chartered for the exclusive use of Explore and with 14 recently refurbished passenger cabins, life on board M/S Doma is easy-going and informal: the perfect base from which to explore the sites of the Nile. About M/S Doma Laid out over three decks, the boat is fitted out to a high standard throughout. All cabins have recently been enlarged and are fully air-conditioned, with private en-suite showers, washbasins and WCs, plus large picture windows. On the Middle Deck are a spacious dining area, bar and lounge also fully air-conditioned and from the Upper Deck there are fine, uninterrupted views across the Nile. There is no better way to enjoy the Nile sunset than sitting in the open air, perhaps with a drink from the small Deck Bar. All meals are included whilst aboard the riverboat, prepared by our cooks and normally served in the dining room though occasionally a buffet may be organised on deck. The cuisine is Egyptian-style and consists of continental breakfasts, light lunches and three-course dinners. Planned interior
Relaxing onboard
On the banks of the Nile/Katie Hart
EGYPT
The Traditional Felucca
The Nile by Traditional Sailboat Theres no better way to appreciate the easy pace of life on the Nile than to join a felucca sailtrek. The felucca has been the most popular vessel on the Nile for centuries and is still widely used today. About 11m long and rigged with a tall lateen or triangular sail, it has no motor and relies only on the steady north wind. We use up to three feluccas for our leisurely sailtrek from Aswan downstream towards Luxor. Relaxed Pace of Life The relaxed pace and outdoor nature of our journey mean that no fixed stops are possible these depend largely on the elements. A canvas canopy acts as a sunshade during the day and keeps the dew off at night, when we sleep on deck on mattresses. Food is bought at village markets along the way and cooked on board by our crew, Egyptian style. Our luggage is stored below deck. A Typical Day We enjoy the easy rhythm of life on the river, occasionally stopping to walk through fields and villages, or visit one of the ancient sites. At lunchtime we may furl the sails and raft the feluccas together, to enjoy a buffet style meal while drifting down the river. Often a brisk north wind picks up in the afternoon and we make exhilarating progress; sometimes the wind drops and we moor up for a leisurely swim stop. We aim to find an overnight mooring before dusk, usually at one of the mid-river islands, before settling down for a three-course dinner. A relaxed evening around the camp fire follows, when our Nubian crew will often bring out their drums to sing and dance under a star-filled sky. Tranquillity of the Nile
M/S Doma Our privately chartered Nile Riverboat
Excursions to Abu Simbel
We allow time on our trips visiting Aswan for those who wish to take an optional trip to the rock-cut temples of Abu Simbel. Travelling by road, this excursion takes a long half day. Alternatively you may choose to fly to Abu Simbel (subject to space). The temples were moved to their present position when the Aswan High Dam was built in order to preserve these breathtaking wonders of the ancient world from being flooded.
Abu Simbel
Hot Air Ballooning
From Luxor you can take an extraordinary flight in a hot air balloon as an optional excursion over the ancient Theban remains on the West Bank perhaps the richest concentration of archaeological sites anywhere. This is an experience to savour for a lifetime! The balloon is flown by a fully trained and qualified pilot with much experience of the micro-climate around Luxor, which is widely recognised as one of the finest ballooning sites anywhere in the world. See individual tour dossiers for further details.
xx
82
Request a tour dossier for comprehensive tour information
|
inbro