Latest World of Wonders brochure takes travellers on a cruise from Cairo to Luxor for the first time in over 15 years
Innovative specialist tour operator Voyages Jules Verne has launched the latest edition of its popular World of Wonders brochure, for departures until December 2013. Featuring a comprehensive collection of the very best cultural tours and inspirational journeys across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, the Far East, the Indian Subcontinent and the Americas, the new brochure notably includes an exciting return to some of Egypt’s most rarely-explored sites.
Long renowned for its Nile cruise programme between Luxor and Aswan, Voyages Jules Verne has welcomed the Egyptian government’s decision to re-open the northerly section of the river, between Cairo and Luxor, after more than 15 years. Thanks to this significant development, Voyages Jules Verne clients will once again be able to experience The Original Nile Cruise, a fascinating ten-night itinerary that sets sail from April 2013 – taking travellers from the Pyramids to Thebes on board the luxurious five-star vessel, MS Hamees.
David Pattison, Head of Product & Marketing at Voyages Jules Verne, comments: “Voyages Jules Verne’s credentials in escorting travellers to the myriad attractions of Egypt needs little introduction and we are thrilled to be expanding the experience we can offer our clients. Cruising the Nile from Cairo all the way to Luxor will be an unforgettable journey, particularly the northerly section where the old way of life remains largely unchanged due to the absence of tourism over the last two decades. Our team on the ground in Egypt reports that the ancient sites along that part of the route are ready to welcome visitors and are delightfully uncrowded. Indeed, you may well be the only visitors on any given day – a rare treat.”
The Original Nile Cruise departs on 17 April, 13 May, 8 June, 25 August and 20 September 2013. Prices are from £1,495 pp with no single supplement (limited availability) and include flights (Heathrow) with airport lounge access in the UK, taxes, transfers, ten nights’ full-board accommodation on the MS Hamees, sightseeing and the services of guides and local representatives. Voyages Jules Verne clients can also extend their Egyptian odyssey with a four-night journey from Luxor to Aswan, which costs an additional £395 pp. Alternatively, add on a few days in Cairo before the cruise commences – a three-night pre-tour extension, staying at the five-star Mövenpick Cairo Pyramids, costs an additional £295 pp. Both options are available with no single supplement (limited availability).
Also featured for the first time in World of Wonders (although previously available on the Voyages Jules Verne website) are:
- The Lands of Genghis Khan: An adventurous 12-night journey through Mongolia and the Gobi Desert that also includes a visit to the Great Wall of China. Enjoy a camel ride around the red cliffs of the Gobi and sleep under the stars in ger camps (traditional Mongolian dwellings), visit the first Buddhist monastery in central Mongolia and wonder at the Takhi wild horses in Hustai National Park. Watch a traditional folklore concert, take a ride on a yak cart, try Mongolian archery or simply settle for a spot of bird watching – this itinerary encompasses it all, and more. Price is from £2,395 pp*
- The Crossroads of Europe & Asia: Travel to Transcaucasia on this nine-night tour taking in the neighbouring countries of Armenia and Georgia. Explore an historic region of captivating diversity – rock-carved churches, mountainous landscapes, ancient cave cities and fortified towns. Enjoy sightseeing with knowledgeable local guides as well as an exclusive performance of Armenian choral music in the Hellenistic temple of Garni. Price is from £1,545 pp*.
- Pousadas of Portugal: Enjoy a leisurely taste of Portuguese history and gastronomy on this seven-night itinerary, staying en route at pretty pousadas in Guimarães, Condeixa and Queluz. Sightseeing highlights include full-day tours of Coimbra, Lisbon and Sintra as well as a visit to the famous port wine cellars of Porto and wine tasting at Quinta da Aveleda. Price is from £895 pp*.
*According to the itinerary selected, prices are based on two sharing and include air travel and taxes, transfers, accommodation, some meals, a sightseeing programme and the services of guides and local representatives.
For many, one of most appealing aspects of a Voyages Jules Verne escorted tour is the opportunity to travel in the company of like-minded companions and meet new people. However, for those seeking a more individual experience, it is now possible to book many World of Wonders itineraries as a Private Journey.
Ideal for the more independently-minded and/or those travelling with family members or several friends, a Private Journey enables clients to enjoy all the benefits of the published tour whilst enjoying the comfort and convenience of their own private car – and all for a modest supplement. For those who want to ‘do their own thing’ to an even greater extent, Voyages Jules Verne can create tailor-made experiences which vary from the tour itinerary and reflect the particular preferences of each client.
And solo travellers need not fear for their travel plans over the next 12 months. Voyages Jules Verne continues to offer an extensive selection of destinations and departure dates with No Single Supplement. So, whether you fancy a few days exploring the Land of Ice & Fire this autumn (three nights in Iceland are £595 pp** during October), like the idea of Christmas afloat in Venice (four festive nights arriving 22 December are £795 pp**) or wish to venture further afield for a Taste of China (seven nights in January are £1,149 pp**) or to experience India and the Himalayan Hill Stations (nine nights in October are £1,549 pp**), Voyages Jules Verne has an itinerary to suit.
**No Single Supplement places are available on selected departure dates only and have limited availability. According to the itinerary selected, prices include air travel and taxes, accommodation, some meals, a sightseeing programme and the services of guides and local representatives.
For a copy of the new World of Wonders brochure, contact Voyages Jules Verne on 0845 166 7035, email sales@vjv.co.uk, visit the award-winning website, www.vjv.com or click here.
For a summary of Voyages Jules Verne’s programme of worldwide tours, including its Special Events, please see the attached fact sheet.
Ends / 5 July 2012
Press: For further information, contact Karen Carpenter at Travel PR on 020 8891 4440 or email k.carpenter@travelpr.co.uk. At Voyages Jules Verne, contact Prini Patel on 020 7616 1094 or email prini.patel@vjv.co.uk.
AT A GLANCE – Voyages Jules Verne – World of Wonders 2013
EUROPE: Albania, Armenia, Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, France, Georgia, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Madeira, Malta, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Cyprus, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Slovakia & Turkey
NORTH AFRICA & MIDDLE EAST: Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Oman & Tunisia
EAST & SOUTH AFRICA:Botswana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia & Zimbabwe
THE INDIAN SUBCONTINENT: India, Nepal, Sikkim, Sri Lanka & Uzbekistan
CHINA & THE ORIENT: Burma, Cambodia, China, Laos, Mongolia, Tibet & Vietnam
THE AMERICAS: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Galapagos, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama & Peru
Many of the tours in the 2013 World of Wonders brochure include special events and experiences, as well as a number of unique arrangements exclusively for clients of Voyages Jules Verne, such as:
- Monastery & Quinta – traditional dining at a Portuguese monastery & the Quinta da Avessada.
- A Taste of Madeira – follow a Funchal tour with a Madeira wine cellar visit and complimentary tasting.
- Jewish Dinner – sample traditional fare with music and performers in Cracow’s old Jewish district.
- Music on the Danube – classical concerts, gypsy music & visits to the homes of Mozart and Beethoven.
- Church Psalms, Arbanassi – a private performance of psalms in the old Slavonic language (Bulgaria).
- Wine Tasting in Sorrento – accompanied by a local resident, tour Sorrento and try some local wines.
- Cruise on Lake Como – a late afternoon journey by private launch followed by lakeside aperitifs.
- Lobster Feast & Gourmet Dinner – eaten at one of Reykjavik’s best restaurants and at Skaftafell.
- Cyprus & North Cyprus restaurants – local cuisine at Kyrenia Harbour, Salamis beach & in Paphos.
- Ottoman Dinner – pre-dinner drinks in a traditional Turkish house followed by a candle-lit meal.
- Farmhouse Dinner in Sibiel – two horsemen in national attire lead diners to a Romanian farmhouse.
- Garni Temple – a performance of Armenian choral music in the Hellenistic temple of Garni.
- Private Ballet Performance – an evening of Russian champagne, caviar and a gala ballet performance.
- Riad Rooftop Dinner – feast on Moroccan delicacies and fine aerial views of Marrakech.
- Tea with Omani Locals – learn more about daily life and traditions in Oman.
- Luxor Temple by Night – cocktails at the Old Winter Palace precede a visit to the illuminated temple.
- Petra Rock Camp – enjoy dinner at a private camp with Nabataean water channels & wine press.
- Dining like an Egyptian – visit a family home in Cairo for a traditional dinner.
- The Ribat of Sousse – a lecture on Tunisian history in one of the country’s best-preserved fortresses.
- A Castle in Africa – dinner with wine tasting at Namibia’s Castle Heinitzburg, overlooking Windhoek.
- Dinner, Tea & Drumming – wine tasting, a drumming reception and drumming lesson in South Africa.
- Kenya Heritage Tour – includes visits to Nairobi’s National Museum and parliament building, and lunch.
- Canoeing the Backwaters – navigate the famous canals of the Keralan backwaters in India.
- Indian Dance & Cooking – learn to prepare authentic meals and watch a Kathakali dance performance.
- Indian Ceremonies – experience the Palki, Aarti and Border ceremonies, and dine with Indian families.
- Visit to a Stepwell – visit an Indian baoli (stepwell) to learn about its historical and social significance.
- Nimaj Palace – travel by bullock cart to the historic Nimaj Palace with a traditional welcome and dinner.
- Spices of Sri Lanka – visit a spice garden, enjoy a traditional lunch and watch a curry cookery demo.
- Dinner in a Local Home – learn to prepare Pilov, a traditional Uzbek dish, in Samarkand.
- Rum Doodle Bar – visit the famous haunt of Everest summiteers in Kathmandu’s Thamel district.
- Chinese Entertainment – Oriental show including a Peking Duck dinner and folklore performances.
- Dinner at a Pagoda – dine by candle-light at an exclusively-reserved pagoda in Pagan, Burma.
- Cruising in Vietnam – enjoy a medley of cruises on rivers including the Saigon, Mekong and Thu Bon.
- Baci Ceremony – unique to Laos, join a shaman, a small group of elders and Lao musicians.
- Apsara Theatre – visit the Apsara dance theatre in Cambodia for dinner and a show.
- Tea at Monasterio – enjoy tea at the historic Hotel Monasterio in Cuzco, an Orient-Express hotel.
- Charles Darwin Lecture – on-board talk celebrating ‘On the Origin of Species’ and its famous author.
- Hemingway’s Haunt – sip a cocktail at El Floridita, the Havana bar frequented by Ernest Hemingway.
- Sunset Cruise & Cookery Class – enjoy a cocktail, cruising and a cookery class in Costa Rica.
- The Aztec Potter’s Wheel – learn the unique pottery techniques used by the Nahuatl people.
Further information from Voyages Jules Verne on 0845 166 7035 or visit www.vjv.com.
Ends 6 July 2012
Press: Please contact Karen Carpenter at Travel PR on 020 8891 4440 or email k.carpenter@travelpr.co.uk.