Downers Grove, Illinois – Reported by Elite Traveler, the Private Jet Lifestyle Magazine
People are drawn to the ancient countries of the Middle East for reasons as varied as the treasures each possesses the archaeological wonders of Egypt, the historical treasures of Jordan, the exotic appeal of Morocco and the religious sites of Israel. To reflect these differences, Abercrombie & Kent offers a range of travel experiences in Egypt, Morocco & Beyond for 2011 and published a new brochure that provides travel agents with the tools to select the right tour type for each client. There is also an expanded portfolio of private itineraries, including Signature Syria (ten days from $4,520) and Tailor Made suggestions: Israel Through the Ages, Mediterranean Marvels and Middle Eastern Empires.
The pharaohs of Egypt constructed luxurious boats to ferry themselves down the Nile in a manner befitting their exalted station. Abercrombie & Kent builds on that tradition by offering a choice of Nile cruises, from traditional dahabiehs (lanteen-rigged sailboats) to purpose-built Nile cruise ships. Zein Nile Chateau is a state-of-the-art dahabieh, the perfect size for a private family group of up to 12 guests. The intimate, 36-passenger Sun Boat III was described as the “Jewel of the Nile” by Architectural Digest. And the Art Deco- influenced Sun Boat IV, which accommodates 80 guests, earned a place on the Condé Nast Traveler Gold List.
They have transformed their portfolio of luxury and adventure holidays into a go-to planning resource for travel agents with itineraries that can be personalized according to client preference, explains Scott Wiseman, president of Abercrombie & Kent USA, LLC. “There is now an in-depth introduction to the Nile cruise experience which includes everything you need to be an instant expert.”
All Abercrombie & Kent small group escorted departures for 2011 are guaranteed to operate with a Tour Director. Reserve with confidence, knowing the scheduled tour will operate and, thanks to A&K¹s Price Assurance, at the best price. If the eligible Abercrombie & Kent journey booked is ever offered at a lower price, A&K will refund the difference.
In response to feedback from travel agents and guests, Abercrombie & Kent has redesigned many small group escorted journeys, offering more pre- and post-tour extensions, less-structured dining and more free time on travel days. To more clearly differentiate the range of travel experiences that A&K offers, each itinerary is Color-Coded by Tour Type.
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DISCOVERY SERIES: A local expert Tour Director with a maximum of 24 guests,standard rooms at five-star or the best available hotels, escorted sightseeing provides an in-depth introduction to the destination.
Ancient Wonders: Israel, Jordan & Egypt – Expert guides reveal the cultural and historical ties between these ancient societies. Visit Biblical sites in Israel, explore the rose-red city of Petra and end your expedition in Egypt, the land of the Pharaohs. Explore archaeological, anthropological and religious sites, with a visit to the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, the place of Jesus¹ birth. Vistas ¬ from the Mount of Olives to shores of the Dead Sea set the tone for an in-depth exploration of Jerusalem, Madaba and Petra. Thirteen days from $6,995 (priced less than 2010).
CONNOISSEURS SERIES: A local expert Tour Director with no more than 16-20 guests, premium rooms in five-star hotels and insider access experiences not available to most travelers.
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Splendors of Morocco ¬ From the sands of the Sahara to the Atlas Mountains, Morocco offers an infinite variety of landscapes. Visit the imperial city of Meknes, the well-preserved Roman ruins of Volubilis, the ancient walled medinas of Fez and Marrakech with their the sun-drenched souks, and the sand dunes of the Erg Chebbi. Explore the history of its exotic architecture during an enlightening discussion, experience the night sky as you never have before at a private tented camp in the Sahara and visit a unique museum near Ouarzazate. Twelve days from $5,810 (one day longer but priced less than 2010).
SIGNATURE SERIES ¬ Recommended itineraries with local guides, pre-planned and pre-priced for immediate confirmation. A five-minute FIT, ideal for two to four people.
NEW FOR 2011: Signature Syria ¬ Learn about ancient kingdoms and empires while traveling to Biblical sites, ruins and vibrant, modern-day souks. Begin in Damascus, one of the world¹s oldest continually-inhabited cities. From the cities of Rasafa and Aleppo to the Bronze Age city of Ebla and Homs, site of the magnificent Crac des Chevaliers, Syria¹s transcendent, time-honored wonders are revealed. Ten days from $4,520.
TAILOR MADE – Customized to client requirements by A&K’s staff of destination experts. El Dahabieh Cruise – Explore Egypt at a leisurely pace on board a dahabieh, a traditional sailing ship, ideal for a family. In Cairo, visit the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities and the Pyramids of Giza. Cruise to world-renowned sites between Luxor and Aswan, and lesser-known treasures, such as Luxor’s Tombs of the Nobles and Workers (Deir el-Madina), el-Kab and Gebel Silsileh’s Temple of Horemheb.
NEW FOR 2011: Israel Through the Ages ¬ Explore world-famous sites alongside less-visited gems – including the Western Wall Tunnels, Dormition Abbey, Church of the Transfiguration and Jacob¹s Well, where Jesus purportedly drank – during a profoundly moving journey through human history. See the burial place of the Virgin Mary and the Herodion complex, and board a boat on the Sea of Galilee, exploring the Mount of Beatitudes and Tabgha before heading to Tel Aviv. Discover the artists’ colony of Jaffa and an Ella valley vineyard.
NEW FOR 2011: Mediterranean Marvels ¬ Syria and Lebanon reflect the diverse cultures of Europe and the Middle East, with a surprising range of influences from early Roman to modern French. Take in the island city of Tyre, temples of Baalbeck and Sidon Sea Castle. Explore the Church of St. John the Baptist in Byblos, historic Ebla and magnificent Crac des Chevaliers before concluding in scenic Maaloula, where Aramaic, the language of Jesus is still spoken.
NEW FOR 2011: Middle Eastern Empires ¬ A look at the rich ancient, Biblical and modern-day history of Jordan and Syria, from the mosaics of Madaba to Damascus’ Handicraft Market and the treasures found in the rose-red city of Petra. Timeless locales, including Palmyra and Old Testament-era Rasafa, mingle with the Grand Mosque and souks in Aleppo, which come alive with the colors and scents of the Levant.
RESPONSIBILITY & PHILANTHROPY
Abercrombie & Kent continues to build on its commitment to socially and ecologically responsible travel, helping guests make a personal connection to the places they visit. Many departures include Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy projects that provide an opportunity to meet local people making a difference in their communities.
On Ancient Wonders: Israel, Jordan & Egypt and Signature Jordan, guests learn about the Madrasati (My School) initiative led by Queen Raina, which is helping rehabilitate Balquees School in Amman, improving safety and the learning environment, while supporting field trips to local sites. Splendors of Morocco and Signature Morocco visit Al Karam in Marrakech, which provides emergency housing and activities for children living on the street.
