Zegrahm Expeditions - "Tours of a Lifetime"

Zegrahm Expeditions has been selected for National Geographic Traveler Magazine’s “Tours of a Lifetime” honour for the second time, highlighting the company's keen eye for superb adventure travel.

In the past, the honours have been bestowed upon Zegrahm's natural history-focused expeditions — Beyond Rapa Nui, Ultimate Seychelles, and Faces of Melanesia — but, this year, they are excited to announce the award has been bestowed uopn a new, in-depth cultural tour: Voyage Through the Red Sea. This 17-day expedition, aboard the Clipper Odyssey, departs November 6 and visits Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Eritrea.

This voyage combines the Red Sea’s best cultural attractions along with several opportunities to snorkel and dive, plus offers a rare glimpse into a number of hospitable countries rarely visited by Western travellers. Highlights of this tour include:

• Exploring the rose-colored wonders of Petra, the capital of the ancient Nabatean Empire and now a World Heritage Site.

• Cruising along the Nile in a traditional felucca sailing vessel.

• Visiting several exquisite World Heritage Sites in Egypt — the Monastery of St. Catherine (above) and the treasures of ancient Thebes, including Luxor, Karnak, and the Valley of the Kings.

• Walking tour of Jeddah’s well-preserved old city, considered the gateway to Mecca.

• Snorkelling and diving in the shimmering waters of the Dahlak Archipelago, an area renowned for its rich marine life and scenic beauty.

To learn more about this voyage, visit www.zeco.com or contact the UK's adventure-cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Sailing with the Pharaohs

By guest blogger Steve Newman

Cruising in style and luxury with the ambience of a bygone age is a delight to be experienced as much as possible. The late 19th century aristocracy of Europe would partake in cruising along the ancient splendours of the Nile Valley in their private ‘Dahabiyyas,’ beautifully crafted wooden sailing vessels that presented the might of the Pharaohs from the vantage point of elegant convenience. Now Bales Worldwide have recreated those halcyon days with their best-selling itinerary.

Travelling with a small select group, you can witness the ancient treasures of Egypt up close and in a manner thought lost forever by discerning travellers. Avoiding the crowds you have the advantage of an expert guide on hand to enlighten you along the way.

Completing the entire journey between Luxor and Aswan (or vice versa) by boat also provides the opportunity to truly relax, with 7 nights onboard to fully appreciate this classic journey. The cruise will operate either from Luxor to Aswan or in the reverse direction. You will be booked on one of the 4 exclusive Dahabiyyas to Bales: Amber, Musk, Nesma and Zahra. All the Dahabiyyas are identical with the exception of the décor.

The company also offers luxury holidays to more than 50 countries, including Canada, China, Egypt, Ecuador & the Galapagos islands, India, Jordan, Peru and Tanzania. These can be a select journey where you have local guides or a tailor-made holiday of your making.

You can find out more at http://www.balesworldwide.com/