Sights of modern-day Luxor

• East Bank
  • Luxor Temple
  • Luxor International Airport
  • Karnak Temple
  • Luxor Museum
  • Mummification Museum
  • Winter Palace Hotel

• West Bank
  • Valley of the Kings
  • Valley of the Queens
  • Medinet Habu (memorial temple ofRamesses III)
  • The Ramesseum (memorial temple ofRamesses II)
  • Deir al-Madinah (workers’ village)
  • Tombs of the Nobles
  • Deir el-Bahri (temple of Hatshepsut, etc.)
  • Malkata (palace of Amenophis III)
  • Colossi of Memnon (memorial temple of Amenophis III)

Visit our specialty sites to research Egypt tours or Egypt River cruises.

It's no secret Italy is one of the world's most popular destinations, one that everyone seems to love for its cities full of renaissance masterpieces and romanesque cathedrals, its lush valleys gloriously green with vineyards and olive groves, majestic Etruscan, Greek and Roman ruins, picturesque fishing ports and sybaritic seaside resorts. But it's the delicious and unforgettable dining on incomparable pasta and regional wine and dishes found only in Italy, that brings many repeat visitors back to its shores.

Indeed, it's that unforgettable culinary and wine experience that entices more than a 40 percent repeat visitor number from North America, a teasing combination of memorable flavors and aroma that can't be duplicated in even the most favorite Italian restaurant back home. Which is why Ricardo Strano, North American director of the Italian Government Tourist Board. is committed to marketing Italy in 2011 with the accent on wining and dining, combined with food and wine touring that introduces special cuisines and signature vineyards of familiar and lesser-known regions. "While Rome, Florence, Venice, Tuscany, and Amalfi are the familiar icons of Italy, the second- and fifth-time visitors look to expand their horizons with new sights and experiences." Reminding travelers that, "Near every great museum is a great restaurant."

In fact, he points out, Italy invented the "Slow Food" movement that focuses on locally grown, sustainably farmed products, giving visitors the opportunity to learn that, "discovering regional cuisines is a delightful and delicious way to understand that-as in fashion and lifestyle-high-quality and simplicity are the hallmarks of the special flavors of Italy."

Thankfully, for those travelers looking for that unforgettable culinary and wine adventure, there are abundant options for food and wine touring in Italy, including deluxe tours spiced with great restaurants, cooking classes for a half-day or a week, hiking and biking tours with routes to outdoor markets, specialty bakeries, olive mills, vineyards and wine cellars. Many experts, for example, consider the region of Emilia-Romagna to be a legendary gourmet center with such tasty towns as Bologna, Parma and Modena. Ristoranti, osterie and pizzerie are the dine-around menu when exploring Venice and vicinity, while Piedmont's wine-making traditions produce the world-renowned Barolo and Barbaresco wines.

Globus family of brands-Globus tours, Cosmos tours and Monograms -offers a host of trips to Italy, some with an accent on dining, including Umbria's Treasures where travelers will be able to sample this region's famous cuisine with its simple, yet flavorful ingredients, fresh fruits and vegetables, and high-quality olive oil, and nibble on Perugia's world-renowned chocolate delights. Or, for an emphasis on cooking classes, book with Chicago-based The International Kitchen, specialists in cooking classes and culinary vacations in 12 of Italy's 20 regions, including three different programs based in Bologna.

In 2006, all eyes were on Torino (Turin) as host city during the Winter Olympic Games, and again in 2011, this capital of the northern Piedmont region will be front and center when Italy celebrates the 150th anniversary of Italian Reunification. Celebrations and special events will take place nationwide, but Torino is the place the reunification movement was born. Today Torino is a dynamic center for industry (home to Fiat for one) and art-world-class is its Egyptian Museum & Galleria Sabauda, housing the fabulous collections of the House of Savoy. Take time out from touring for a cup of bicerin, Torino's signature blend of coffee and chocolate.

Talk to a tour specialist at Atlas Cruises & Tours about the Flavors of Italy.

The British began construction of the first dam in 1899. Construction lasted until 1902. It was opened in December 10, 1902. The initial design was soon found to be inadequate and the height of the dam was raised in two phases, 1907–1912 and 1929–1933.  The High Dam, as-Sad al-’Aali, was completed on July 21, 1970, with the first stage finished in 1964. The reservoir began filling in 1964 while the dam was still under construction and first reached capacity in 1976. The reservoir raised concerns from archaeologists and a rescue operation was begun in 1960 under UNESCO.   Sites were surveyed and excavated and 24 major monuments were moved to safer locations (see Abu Simbel) or granted to countries that helped with the works (such as the Debod temple in Madrid and the Temple of Dendur in New York).

For more on Egypt river cruises, click here

In 2012, Avalon Waterways is also enhancing its cruising experience in Egypt by chartering the MS Mayfair, a five-star ship that is one of the newest vessels on the Nile today and the MS Kasr Ibrim, a ship designed to evoke the elegant leisure of an early 20th Century cruise. Named after the ancient citadel, this deluxe ship sails Lake Nasser – a new waterway for Avalon.  With these ships come three NEW Egypt itineraries: 9-day Highlights of Egypt (priced from $2,606); 12-day The Pyramids, Lake Nasser & Nile Highlights (starting at $3,441) and 13-day Egypt & the Nile in Depth (priced from $3,538).

Also new for 2012, is a 13 day Jewish Heritage cruise out of Budapest on October 29^th on the Avalon Tapestry, and three European History and Politics cruises in July and August on the Avalon Luminary.

In 2012, Avalon will offer free wireless Internet for all passengers, and guests staying in the royal suites will have use of in-room iPads.

Egypt’s Valley of the Kings has hosted the world’s most spectacular pyramids for 5 millennia, while the country around them has transformed into a modern center for entertainment, activities and culture. Choose from land tours or those that include a journey along the Nile.

Israel is a popular tourist destination in the Mediterranean for its multitude of religious and historical sites, its many luxurious resorts, the modern culture and nightlife of Tel Aviv, the healing spas of the Dead Sea and Eilat, and unique natural surroundings throughout.

Nearby Jordan offers a variety of attractions for travelers seeking something slightly different — an unspoiled land of desert beauty dotted with cities both modern and ancient.

Dubai is a modern city that rises out of the desert like an oasis of glass and steel and total luxury. As one of the world’s fastest growing cities, Dubai has emerged as a premier luxury travel destination, drawing visitors from all over the globe. Its dry and sunny weather, incredible shopping experiences, and unique tourist attractions have helped to turn it into a bona fide hot spot where ancient and modern cultures come together. Tour operators have just started offering vacations to Dubai, but the cruise lines all realized early on that Dubai is a thriving city and have added it as a port of call on several itineraries. Royal Caribbean took things one step further, and from January to April 2010, the Brilliance of the Seas will sail out of Dubai with an overnight stay allowing passengers to to enjoy the city. Ports of call will include Muscat, Oman, Fujairah, Abu Dhabi and Mina Sulman, Bahrain.

The Eastern Mediterranean region offers a wealth of sites and cities of interest unmatched anywhere in the world. Explore the past and the present on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to this mystical place.

When traveling in the region make sure to wear light colors and fabrics such as linens to reflect sunlight and keep cool. During the days the desert climate can be very warm and dry, while nights are often cool and breezy.

http://www.escortedafricatours.com

Exporations tours bring you up close and personal with destinations from Italy and Australia to Egypt, Asia and Peru. What's special about this unique brand? With a group size of no more than 28 passengers on every departure, you'll gain access to historic sites and exlusive expeirnces so that you will have a more personal journey.

Culinary classes, meals with local, sightseeing off the beaten path, plantation tours, wine tastings and culturally immersive acitivities open you eyes, your mind and your heart to what these destinations are really all about.

The power of small groups:

Explorations combines the benefits of escorted travel with the more personal and interactive experiences of small group touring. Travel as part of a group of individuals. With just 16-28 passengers , Explorations tours go where larger groups can not.

Engage your senses:

There are many ways to experience the world.

Taste: Food and drink – the stuff of life. Sampling the local cuisine is one of the best ways to participate in our world’s cultures. Let your palate be your guide. Whether it’s rolling up your sleeves for a cooking class or indulging in a local delicacy, culinary adventure awaits.

Live: On an Explorations tour, your accommodations are more than a place to lay your head. They are highlights of the journey, bringing you closer to the soul of the destination. Relax in comfort when you stay in quality, authentic hotels, resorts and villas that reflect the local culture.

Explore: At the heart of Explorations is the desire to really explore the world. From ancient wonders like the Pyramids of Giza and the “Lost City” of Machu Picchu to a relaxing ride aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train, every tour brings you up close and personal to the best our world offers.

Connect: Venture off the beaten tourist path when you meet the locals and interact with them in various ways from sharing a meal to mingling with them in the community. Learn the rhythms of daily life. Come away with a truer sense of who they are – and who you are, too.

 

After Explorations

Return home with great stories, sharp memories, and a new perspective.

Start "exploring" this new vacation experience today, by browsing the 15 exciting Collette Explorations tours.

Experiencing nature's most demanding landscapes can reveal exactly who you are, testing your physical, psychological and maybe even spiritual selves. Extreme adventures cover a breadth of activities ranging from mildly demanding to profoundly challenging. These adventures can take you from the world's highest peaks to its most remote terrains, from the polar ice caps to the sun-bleached deserts of Africa and all points in between.

Brave the planet's harshest environments, come face to face with its most exotic wildlife and blaze paths where humans rarely venture. Return from your journey a different person from when you embarked into the power of nature and your ability to overcome it.

In man versus machine, you can experience the rush of speed from the driver's seat of a Formula One racer to the cockpit of a supersonic fighter jet. Go to the edge of the earth visiting the North or South poles. Reach the South Pole on skis or find the polar bear in its Arctic habitat on rugged polar adventures. Land within 50 feet of the emperor penguin nesting areas in Antarctica to see as many as 3,000 Emperor Penguin chicks. Take an extreme safari. See Africa's wildlife by canoe, on foot, on camelback or even from a helicopter. Reach Mount Everest Base Camp or the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, two of the world's most challenging mountain treks. Dive into the waters off Belize for up-close encounters with its extraordinary sea life, including the elusive whale shark. Explore the rainforests via ATV, riverboat or by foot. Track the elusive puma and jaguars. Experience life in the unforgiving desert following the path of Lawrence of Arabia in Jordan or exploring Egypt's White Desert.

Luxury tour operator, Abercrombie and Kent is banking not only that people will want to go to the extremes, but that they are willing to pay big bucks for the right experience. Prices start at around $5,000 up to $15,000 per person, double occupancy depending on the length of the trip and the destination.

Whatever extreme adventure you choose, just make sure you book with a reputable and knowledgeable tour operator, so that you are ensured the best experience for your money.

Pure luxury and unrivalled Swiss hospitality await you on the Royal Lotus, built in 2005. This new, modern river vessel offers spacious accommodations and a range of public areas from where you can absorb the ever-changing panorama between Luxor and Aswan. The luxuriously furnished cabins, each with an area of approx. 22 square meters, mirror the colors of the landscape of Upper Egypt and their panoramic windows offer unhindered views of the spectacular ever-changing scenery. The Royal Lotus restaurant serves mouth-watering meals, while the elegantly decorated Crescent Lounge and Bar are the perfect place to relax with a drink after a day of sightseeing. A dip into the refreshing plunge pool may be just what you desire, and the loungers are perfect for sun worshippers. There is also a fully equipped fitness room, bridge tables for card enthusiasts in the Observation Bar, and a dance floor in the Crescent Bar and Lounge. The Royal Lotus accommodates 124 passengers.



Ship Amenities

• All staterooms feature large closets, individual climate control, telephone, color satellite TV, radio, minibar, safe, hair dryer and modern bathrooms with shower
• All staterooms are outside and have large picture windows
• One sitting at mealtimes
• Relax in the Crescent Lounge or Observation Bar
• Enjoy the fully equipped exercise room
• Refresh yourself in the plunge pool or relax in heated Jacuzzi
• Enjoy personal service from our English speaking staff
• Internet access available

Deck Plans

 

Overview

The minute you step on board the Avalon Artistry®, you know she's different. The gleaming two-story lobby, lit by a central glass skylight, is a preview of the light, airy feel and the spectacular views you'll enjoy on this modern, spacious vessel. And the friendliness and unsurpassed personal service of the English-speaking staff on board and on shore always make you feel welcome.

All rooms are designed by the famous architect Hans Sabert. There are two junior suites (258 square feet) and the vessel boasts some of the largest staterooms (at 172 square feet) of any river cruiser; they are all outside staterooms. Some have picture windows, while 70% have a unique French balcony from which to enjoy the passing scenery. The Avalon Artistry® accommodates 178 passengers in 87 staterooms and two junior suites.

The dining room, lounge and other recreation areas are spacious and airy with both the dining room and lounge offering glass from floor to ceiling so passengers can enjoy panoramic views. Unique to the Avalon Artistry® is the glazed lobby that is open through to the Sky Deck with a central glass cupola sparkling welcome to passengers. The exercise room is outfitted with fitness equipment and a whirlpool that can accommodate six people. Massages are also offered.

Features exclusive to the Avalon Artistry® staterooms:

• Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors in most staterooms
• French balconies in most staterooms
• 20" Flatscreen satellite TV & radio
• Private bathroom with shower
• Comfortable, hotel-style beds
• European-style duvets
• Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
• Large closets
• Minibar, hairdryer & safe
• Individual climate control

Ship Amenities

• Headsets for all guided shore excursions in Europe
• Services of a professional Cruise Director
• Sightseeing with Local Guides
• Revolutionary engineering
• Non-smoking interior
• Internet access & Wi-Fi hotspots
• Elegant polished metal & glass throughout
• Onboard lectures, activities & nightly piano music
• Panoramic picture windows for landscape viewing
• Hair Salon
• Fitness Center
• Spacious Sky Decks with shade system for sunning
• 6-person whirlpool
• Lounge & Bar
• Complimentary coffee & tea available throughout the day
• Fine dining
• Buffet breakfast items are conveniently color coded to indicate foods that are low calorie, low fat/low calorie, high fiber, low cholesterol, and high energy
• Complimentary wine, beer or soft drinks will be included on all onboard dinners
• Open seating throughout the dining room for all meals
• Flatscreen satellite TV & radio
• Comfortable, hotel-style beds
• Comfortable beds that can be configured as two twins or one queen
• European-style duvets
• Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
• Private bathroom with shower
• Large closets
• Minibar, hairdryer & safe
• Individual climate control
• Connecting rooms
• Royal Deck passengers can order Continental breakfast to their staterooms
• All staterooms are outside and those on Royal and Sapphire Decks have floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors and French balconies

Deck Plans

Built: 2004; Length: 426 ft.; Crew members: 43; Staterooms: 87; Jr. Suites: 2

1 Sky Deck with Deck Chairs 2 Navigating Bridge 3 Sky Bar 4 Onboard Camera 5 Restaurant 6 Lounge 7 Hairdresser 8 Reception 9 Galley 10 Club Lounge 11 Foyer 12 Fitness Center

Royal Deck Royal Deck Sapphire Deck Aft Sapphire Deck Forward Indigo Deck Aft Indigo Deck Forward Panoramic sliding glass doors on Royal and Sapphire Decks Staterooms Category D & E Staterooms - 172 sq. ft. 1 Bed 2 Toilet 3 Sink 4 Shower 5 Closet 6 Writing Desk 7 Windows Staterooms - 172 sq. ft. 1 Bed 2 Toilet 3 Sink 4 Shower 5 Closet 6 Writing Desk 7 Sliding Glass Doors Jr. Suites - 258 sq. ft. 1 Bed 2 Toilet 3 Sink 4 Shower 5 Closet 6 Writing Desk 7 Sliding Glass Doors 8 Sofa 9 Coffee Table Learn more about Avalon Waterways river cruises