After an eight year hiatus, African Wildlife Safaris (AWS) is once again producing a dedicated Egypt and Middle East brochure. The South Melbourne-based FIT specialist has released a 36-page 2019/20 Egypt brochure that features high end Nile cruises, FIT itineraries and a range of boutique and luxury accommodation in Egypt, Jordan, Israel, Oman, the UAE and Morocco.
This is the first dedicated Egypt brochure the company has produced since 2011, although some of the product has continued to be featured in the company’s Africa brochure. However with tourism to the region once again on the increase, AWS made the decision to bring out a new and expanded brochure.
“Egypt and the Middle East offer travellers a completely unique experience,” said AWS CEO Steve Cameron. “Nowhere else on earth provides the mix of cultures, religions, history, and scenery that this area can. Our destination specialists can design an itinerary to suit anyone, combining the ancient Egyptian Temples that line the Nile River with the archaeological sites of Jordan, or even a safari in Tanzania!”
The new program was designed to suit the AWS style of unique, tailor-made journeys for individual clients or small groups. Valuable input also came from the company’s ‘resident Egyptologist’, Hany Elkatouri, who grew up in Egypt, studied Egyptology at the University of Cairo, and has led tours across the length and breadth of the country for many years.
A range of Nile cruise options are also on offer including a new 15 day Cairo to Aswan Nile Cruise onboard the Mövenpick Darakum cruise boat, visiting ancient sites few tourists ever see, such as Minya, Assyut, and amazing Dendera Temple near Qena.
New to the AWS program is Israel. The 5 day/4 night “Classic Israel” includes the best sights of Jerusalem, as well as side trips to Bethlehem, Masada and the Dead Sea. The “Highlights of Jordan & Israel”, explores the famous historic and sacred sites of both countries, including Mount Zion and King David’s Tomb in Jerusalem, and mysterious Petra and the deserts of Wadi Rum in Jordan. The 11 day/10 night itinerary starts from $4721 per person twin share, departing daily from Amman. Sightseeing throughout Jordan is on a private basis whereas in Israel day tours are on a group basis, although private touring is available at extra cost.
Oman’s capital, Muscat, is featured with a range of luxury hotels, such as The Chedi and the Al Bustan Palace, and some exciting day tours to ancient forts and quaint fishing villages. New in the brochure is Nature’s Bounty, a 3 day package which includes private touring to the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve, pristine beaches, desert mountains and the oasis town of Nizwa famous for its outstanding Islamic architecture.
New in the Morocco program is a 3 day package to the picturesque town of Chefchaouen with its blue and white painted walls, old medina and imposing fortress. Clients stay in the Riad Cherifa, a beautifully decorated and quiet retreat after a day spent sightseeing. Morocco’s Blue City starts from $1079 per person twin share ex Casablanca.
Egypt and Jordan can easily be combined with a safari in East Africa. Returning to the brochure is the “Antiquities & Wildlife” tour, a 16 day/15 night itinerary combining the ancient sites of Egypt with Tanzania’s stunning wildlife parks, starting from $7068 per person twin share ex Cairo.
