Ancient Awe & Wonder: Egypt & Jordan with Abercrobie & Kent

For nearly 45 years, luxury travel company Abercrombie & Kent (A&K) has been designing bespoke journeys for the independent traveller. Today one of the company’s most popular features is the unique collection of inspirational experiences available through Egypt and Jordan. Each private itinerary reveals iconic ancient monuments, incredible landscapes and authentic culture with quality service throughout, creating a travel experience never to be forgotten.

A&K on the Nile
The finest way to explore the monuments of ancient Egypt is on a Nile cruise and A&K’s fleet offers the very best there is. The Sun Boat IV has 40 cabins and was extensively renovated in 2006 with cabins now featuring floor to ceiling windows and flat screen TVs. Reflecting a chic contemporary style with strong Art Deco influences, this vessel is the epitome of luxury on the river. Sophisticated touches include teak flooring, Egyptian marble, painted murals and canopied day beds on deck. Three and four night cruises are available on Sun Boat IV.

Sister ship, the Sun Boat III was fully renovated in 2005 to give a comfortable and elegant cruise experience. Warm, earthy tones are used in the décor and much of the furniture is styled on that of the 1920s and 30s. Guests seeking a more leisurely experience on the Nile will enjoy the intimate Sun Boat III with her 7 night sailings and just 36 guests on board.

Inspiring Journeys
Just released, Abercrombie & Kent’s latest brochure Inspiring Journeys 2009 highlights all that A&K represents – refined elegance, exotic destinations, exciting experiences and educational inspiration. The brochure contains a range of exciting and eye opening private itineraries throughout Egypt and Jordan showcasing their history, culture and landscape.

• New for 2009 is the 9 day Egyptian Sojourn which combines a 3 night Nile cruise aboard Sun Boat IV with all the highlights of Cairo and a stay in Luxor’s delightful Old Winter Palace. Additional features are entry to the Mummy Room at the Egyptian Museum, Cheops Pyramid, the Solar Boat and Ramses’ Tomb in the Valley of the Kings. Prices start at AUD$5,295 per person twin share.

• The popular Highlights of Jordan features again showcasing old Roman cities, crusader castles, Petra (the newest Wonder of the World) and the mineral laden waters of the Dead Sea. Prices start from AUD$3,355 per person twin share.

• Topping the list of Egypt’s must-see attractions are the breathtaking temples of Abu Simbel. A&K guests are privileged to see them in style as the company has its own office and vehicles on site and its own English speaking guide. At AUD$550 the 3.5 hour excursion including business class airfare is a steal.

• To complete an experience in Egypt and Jordan a number of recommended extension ideas are published. 5 day Alexandria & Siwa journeys from Cairo to Egypt’s Mediterranean coast with highlights including the Roman amphitheatre, El Alamein, and Siwa’s Bedouin culture. There is a choice of accommodation with prices from AUD$4,240 per person twin share.

• For spectacular scenery and outdoor adventure, A&K recommends the Dana Nature Reserve as an add-on to its popular Highlights of Jordan programme. The area is characterised by valleys and mountains, ancient archaeological ruins, quaint villages and wadis of red and white sandstone cliffs. The area is best explored on foot, with a variety of walks of varying levels. Hike along terraced gardens, meet local farmers, and visit a traditional bakery and a jam factory. Prices from AUD$3,880 per person twin share.

• One of Egypt’s natural wonders is the rugged Sinai Peninsula and the coral reefs of the Red Sea. A beach stay is the perfect way to unwind after a busy stay in Cairo or a Nile cruise. A&K features the 4 day/3 night Red Sea Coast Extension staying either at the exclusive Four Seasons Sharm El Sheikh or the family friendly Hyatt Regency both in seaview rooms. Prices from AUD$915 per person twin share.

A&K’s Australasian Managing Director, Sujata Raman said, “At A&K we have been providing luxury travel within Egypt for over 25 years including operating our own Sun Boats on the River Nile. With Jordan so close by, it offers an amazing opportunity for a truly memorable holiday experience, full of rich culture, ancient history, breathtaking landscapes, all delivered with A&K’s signature style and service.”

For more information or a copy of the 2009 Inspiring Journeys brochure, contact
Abercrombie & Kent on 1300 851 800, or visit www.abercrombiekent.com.au

Abercrombie & Kent is the world’s leading luxury travel business. Founded as a luxury safari company in Africa in 1962, A&K has grown into a respected international travel company employing over 3000 staff in more than 100 countries. A&K organises private, tailored and escorted travel to every corner of the globe and has a wholly-owned portfolio of cruise boats, luxury lodges, tented camps, hotels, and all-terrain vehicles. As part of its global commitment, A&K Australia brings a wealth of expertise, experience and attention to detail to any travel arrangements. Whether travelling solo, as a couple, with a family or in an escorted group, A&K is expert in providing luxury, experiential and memorable travel experiences.. Abercrombie & Kent. Inspiring Experiences.
Visit www.abercrombiekent.com.au.

Abercrombie & Kent has been described by the Los Angeles Times as a “highly respected company dedicated to conservation and environmentally intelligent tourism.” Chosen as a “Top 10 Luxury Outfitter” by National Geographic Adventure, A&K has received numerous awards over the years. In August 2008, A&K received an Honourable Mention in Condé Nast Traveler’s esteemed 2008 World Saver Awards, recognising companies that are stepping up to the challenge of improving the world, for the establishment of its “…Foundation – Friends of Conservation – which supports a variety of environmental and social causes…”

BACKGROUNDER

Reasons to travel to Egypt & Jordan with A&K:

A&K in Egypt has an astonishing six offices on the ground (Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Alexandria, Sharm El Sheikh and Abu Simbel), making it the best represented Australian tour operator in the country. More recently, A&K opened an operation in Amman, Jordan. This combined with the many years of experience ensures a product that is extensively researched and finely tuned to suit the discerning traveller.

A&K Unique on the Nile
• Professional Egyptologists conducting shore excursions, briefings and slide presentations
• Sightseeing in small groups (maximum 15)
• Spacious en suite cabin accommodation (outward facing)
• Unequalled security and safety measures
• Onboard internet access
• Secure and well-located private docks in Luxor and Aswan
• Five star dining
• Complimentary local beers and wines, coffee, tea, soft drinks and mineral water
• Welcome Cocktail Party
• Swimming pool, sundeck and exercise equipment
• Personalised entertainment (cd players and TVs in cabins, extensive library of cds, movies and reference material)
• 24 hour medical attention
• Extra on board activities (cooking lessons, slide presentations and onboard lectures)

A&K Insider Access
Abercrombie & Kent understands that today’s sophisticated traveller needs to do much more than just skim the surface of a country – they need to delve more deeply into the real culture of the place they visit, to understand, to interact, and ultimately, to expand their own horizons. Doing this occasionally means going to places off the beaten track that regular tourists do not reach… while other times, it is simply a case of taking part in everyday activities that locals take for granted, but which represent a whole new experience for the visitor.

A&K has established strong relationships in Egypt to ensure that travellers with A&K have the opportunity to enjoy some really special Insider Access privileges.

In Cairo, A&K guests spend an evening at dinner with a family experiencing first hand traditional Egyptian hospitality. This is an unique opportunity to meet family members, exchange views, discuss current affairs, enjoy the local cuisine and experience first hand life in Egypt’s bustling capital. And in the Siwa oasis soak up some traditional Bedouin hospitality joining a local family in their home for tea and coffee.

Pearls of Wisdom
Hidden secrets abound in the exotic destinations A&K travels to but without guidance the visitor may never experience them. The hand picked local Pearls of Wisdom linked to each itinerary reflect the intimate knowledge A&K has of the countries it explores. They are often off-the-beaten-track but always infused with local experience.

In Egypt, travellers are encouraged to dine on Arabic mezzes in the movie-set surrounds of Cairo’s famed Abou El-Sid restaurant or recline on Persian carpets under the desert sky for an organic meal of traditional Siwan delicacies.

Or in Amman, A&K recommends a visit to Wild Jordan an emporium showcasing nature-inspired handicrafts produced by local women. Support their local communities and purchase a memento of your visit – maybe a special herbal infusion!

The & Moment
One of the points that sets Abercrombie & Kent apart is the way it provides guests with occasions of surprise and delight during a holiday that make the travel experience inspiring and memorable. Some are value added offers but all introduce the visitor to the destination with an intimacy beyond the reach of any other travel company.

When in Jordan, guests have the opportunity to visit the Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy (AKP) sponsored Madrasati My School initiative, a local school near the citadel of Amman which is in desperate need of repair and upgrades. The funds raised by AKP will help provide a better learning environment for the children.

And in Egypt, A&K’s own charter flights operate throughout the country, ensuring that your luggage is looked after by A&K Egypt. Flights to Abu Simbel will arrive earlier than scheduled flights, allowing travellers more time to explore this amazing location. If charter flights are not operating, A&K travellers will be booked business class seats within Egypt.